Unpacking Beloved: A New Perspective on Horror and History

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Yooooo! I had no idea how complex and layered Beloved truly is, its connections to slavery, murder, grief, and ghosts go far beyond what I initially understood. As a younger viewer, my approach to movies has mostly been surface-level, focusing on action, costumes, and well-known cast members rather than the deeper themes and messages within the story. I do remember Oprah Winfrey's role in the film, but I never fully grasped the emotional weight behind the character she played.

This class and Professor Due's Sunken Place journey has completely changed my perspective on movies. I’ve gained a new appreciation for the intricate work of directors, writers, producers, and casting teams in bringing hidden messages to life. Beloved is more than just a ghost story it’s a haunting reflection of historical trauma and the lingering effects of slavery. Horror, as I’ve come to realize, is not just about scares; it’s a mirror of real-life fears and experiences. The way we connect with horror often depends on what we’ve been through ourselves, shaping how we interpret its messages.

Discussing Beloved has made me realize that I have often watched films passively, missing the deeper symbolism, social commentary, and historical references woven into them. This film, in particular, serves as a painful yet necessary reminder of the horrors of the past, forcing viewers to confront history in a way that cannot be ignored. Moving forward, I want to engage with films on a deeper level, recognizing the thought and intention behind every scene. Beloved is not just a movie it’s a story of pain, resilience, and the ghosts that history refuses to let us forget.

Am I a bad film watcher? No. When you haven’t been exposed to the nuances of film, you watch the colors like you watch a cartoon, you look for the entertaining moments. You focus on what’s visually appealing or exciting rather than the deeper meanings beneath the surface. But now I know better, and I must do better. Moving forward, I want to engage with films on a deeper level, recognizing the thought and intention behind every scene. SAY THIS LOUDER FOR THE PEOPLE IN THE BACK…Beloved is not just a movie it’s a story of pain, resilience, and the ghosts that history refuses to let us forget!!!!

DA

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