When Legba is dancing with the foreign woman she goes into a type of trance when the band plays some Haitian beats. Legba is uncomfortable about this and asks the band to place something else. The type of trance is like some of the ritual dancing Maya Deren documented in her film Divine Horsemen-The Living Gods of Haiti. It is similar to Haitian voodoo dance that usually accompanies animal sacrifice and other bizarre rituals. Did anyone else notice this?
shareYes, I did. It's unclear just why Legba objects. Is it because he believes it's a real trance and worries about the consequences? Or does he think she's being patronizing in a sense by going native? Or is he himself uninterested in Vodun and wants a girlfriend who's less attracted by Haitian culture? All are possibilities and likely Legba himself is unsure of the reasons for his reaction.
shareThe other Haitians, particularly the younger boy, seemed to enjoy her getting into the trace like state. He was the only Haitian who was upset by it. Maybe he resented the fact that she was connecting culturally? It was a good scene in the film, it was quite surreal.
shareI think Legba was bothered by Linda getting lost in the music / culture because she was essentially crossing a barrier away from the exchange that benefits them both. They both know that she's there to fulfill romantic fantasies and he appears to think that's where her relationship with Haiti should begin and end.
The only broader exposure she got of Haiti was under his guidance. When she began to cross her own emotional barrier driven by the drums he halted it and brought her back to the fantasy world.
Legba is there for the financial benefits and that's where he needs her to focus.
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Great answer! I agree!
I like how you said she "began to cross her own emotional barrier"! It's true, because, at first she was quiet, shy and mousy... Eventually as time passed, being with Legba, she started opening up and being free. In that scene, the drumming and music brought out a trapped inner energy that she needed to release! She released that energy and now with newfound confidence and desires, she was ready to have Legba without guilt!
I believe apart from her crossing the cultural barrier, she also tipped the scales of power onto her side... Because, Legba is a young, Haitian black boy, he is in charge when Linda is in his world, he holds the power over her with sex and security... When she releases her trapped energy, Linda is enlightened and empowered... She could very well be the one in control now (let's face it, she is a "rich" white woman). However, Legba prevents her from completely becoming the one in power. To regain his control, he vents his displeasure through anger and resentment... Linda goes back to being quiet, shy and mousy... Never being in control.
Voodoo Dancing in the Movies Critic Harry Angel only gives it a 2star!!!
But he is somewhat biasrd, due to Epiphany Proudfoot's(got some Redman Indian mixed into that performance also???) 4star AWESOME dance in Angel Heart(1987)!!!(Cochise & Conan agree???)
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Angel Heart:The Prequel(20??)
I Better Find Your Love---Aubrey G.
OR
Voodoo Child---Lenny K.