Blog Post #6

 Blog Post #6

I thoroughly enjoyed watching and discussing Beloved by Jonathan Demme. I found this movie to be extremely powerful and moving. The particular scene that I found myself analyzing and really thinking about even after the movie ended was when a stranger, Paul D, came into Sethe’s house and triggered her to remember her trauma. Specifically, the part where she explains how the boys took the milk from her chest that was meant for her baby made me want to cry. As if it couldn't get any worse, it broke my heart and angered me that when she decided to report it, she got whipped, leaving a lasting physical and emotional scar. I couldn’t wrap my head around how, although she reported her initial abuse, that in turn, forced her to get physically assaulted; it’s just not right, fair, or humane. 

When Sethe starts talking about a tree, Paul D doesn’t immediately get that she is referring to the scars on her back, but when he unties her dress from the back and sees it, I remember letting out a gasp. At first, I was in shock that her back could look like that and that that was something she had to carry for the rest of her life. Then, I wasn’t sure how Paul D would react, and I was so nervous that he would say or do something to make Sethe feel ashamed for something she couldn’t control. However, what followed was a moment of tenderness and love. The pain and trauma that Sethe has been carrying created an intimate moment between her and Paul D through his touch and care for her. Instead of being scared by her scars, he traced them gently. I was surprised, but then warmed by how special and private this was. As the comforting proceeds, the ghost makes its presence known, disturbing their moment. I understood how that established the look and feel of a horror movie because it definitely scared me at first, but after I took some time to think about its importance, I realized there was more to it than met the eye. 

I was moved by how Demme made this scene about more than just the scars; it was about the trauma that occupies the mind, body, and soul. I love how layered this scene was, and how, the more time I took to soak it in and understand what was really happening, the more layers I would uncover. Specifically, it allowed me, and I am sure other readers, to see how you can’t just move on from trauma. It is something that demands attention, loathes peace, and has desires to haunt. The horror that Demme portrayed isn’t simply supernatural; it is also historical and psychological, which made me appreciate his work even more. I truly admired all the thought and various meanings Demme put into this film, making me intrigued to watch his other movies.

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