Hounddog, a drama about child rape, has sparked controversy at this year's Sundance film festival. Protesters are now calling on the US Department of Justice to investigate whether the production violated child pornography laws.
Directed by Deborah Kampmeier, Hounddog stars 12-year-old Dakota Fanning, previously best known for her role as Tom Cruise's daughter in The War of the Worlds. The 50s-set drama reportedly features a graphic five-minute scene in which Fanning's character is raped by a 20-year-old milk delivery boy.
William Donahue, president of the conservative Catholic League, is urging the government to investigate the film. "It matters not a whit whether Fanning's mother, along with Fanning's teacher/child welfare worker, gave their consent," he said in a statement. "What matters is whether they are an accessory to a crime."
Hounddog was shot in North Carolina, a state that bans simulated sex with a minor. However, the New York Times reported that a local district attorney has already viewed the film and concluded that no crime has been committed.
Yesterday Kampmeier moved to counter the criticism of Hounddog. "The negative response to it is from people who haven't seen the film," she said. "People who have seen the film are actually very supportive of it."
Fanning, too, was sticking by the film. "There are so many untrue things out there," the actor told reporters. "I just choose to not let those bother me and just think about what I know is true. I just love the movie and hope that everyone can see it and learn something from it."
If nothing else, Hounddog looks likely to sully Fanning's hitherto squeaky-clean image. The child star lists her hobbies as knitting, collecting dolls and playing the violin. She is currently a member of the Girl Scouts USA.