International western.
This is exactly The Power of the Dog, a new film by Netflix created in collaboration with the BBC. Originally, this Wild West drama premiered at this year’s Venice Film Festival, where it garnered numerous applause, and recently entered the streaming platform. So why is it an international western? The strength of the dog was created in a co-production of New Zealand, Australia, the United Kingdom, the United States and Canada, which also affected the result.
And he is so slightly contradictory. The strength of the dog is such a relatively unusual western. The story, inspired by the book of the same name, follows two brothers, George and Phil, who take care of a family farm in the middle of the Wild West. George is quiet and peaceful, Phil is more aggressive and eloquent. But everything changes when George brings home his new wife and her son. Tensions in the household are escalating and an unpleasant storm is on the way.
The plot, even though it is intense and tense, flows really slowly.However, it is approaching very, very slowly. The plot, even though it is intense and tense, is really slow and very sad. The whole story is simply tedious, and unfortunately the otherwise well-crafted script lags a bit. There are a lot of protracted scenes (such as slow-smoldering Phil exhaling every smoke in detail, etc.), which do not add much to the story, but for some reason they simply are there.
However, what pulls the whole scenario is a striking and unexpected conclusion, which will undoubtedly provoke numerous responses among the audience. Director Jane Campion, who also wrote a story for the film, brilliantly creates a twist in this respect, which completes the spectacle and gives it a message and meaning. The original material also contributes to this, partly inspired by reality (given the development of events, however, one can only hope that it really only briefly refers to what the reality was like), which allegedly gets even more involved in this final topic. However, Campion’s striking end opens the door to the audience for their own speculation, which reinforces the impact of the whole spectacle.
This is enhanced by great acting performances in all aspects. The biggest driver here is without a doubt Benedict Cumberbatch in the role of Phil. Cumberbatch is very distinctive here and does a good job. In addition, to create a disgustingly slimy antagonist, to which viewers will gradually find their way, as he will show his humanity through his presentation. Phil is a character you don’t want to cheer on, he opposes you in every way, and you can still feel sorry for him later, and only thanks to Cumberbatch’s comprehensive performance.
The rest of the cast is also a great support for him, where it is difficult to find a weak link. Phil’s brother George introduces Jesse Plemons, who has good chemistry with Cumberbatch and is a great yin to his yang. His wife Rose was then played by his real wife Kirsten Dunst, who also did a quality piece of work and very faithfully portrayed a complicated troubled and emotionally troubled character. Last but not least, Kodi Smit-McPhee, who turns out to be a promising young star, appeared here as her son. His performance is inconspicuous, but in the scenes with Cumberbatch he stands up and is an equal partner.
The musical accompaniment by Jonny Greenwood (Thread of Ghosts) is also very impressive. It creates a catchy and suitable soundtrack that evokes the right atmosphere. Greenwood’s elements are imaginatively mixed with the whole spectacle.
Last but not least, its visual part intersects with this. On the one hand, Campion offers breathtaking scenery and shots of a wild western spectacle, which unfortunately seems artificial at some point. Some parts and some backgrounds are quite obviously created using CGI and green screen technologies, which is unfortunately enough to know, and it’s a shame.
The strength of the dog is, in summary, a relatively strong spectacle, which, however, has its shortcomings. The biggest one is the long and protracted story, which is, however, so interesting that it successfully holds the viewer’s attention until the very end. And that’s what works Jane Campion it creates a striking image that is worth seeing. The spectacular performance of Benedict Cumberbatch, who almost reincarnates into his character, is also very behind the spectacle. Fans of westerns will definitely not miss the end of the Dog Strength selection.
When I’m done, they won’t know it’s not a real flower.
–
It smells nice, doesn’t it?
–
Brother hurry, we have to overtake the cows.
–
Síla psa / The Power of the Dog
The strength of the dog is, in summary, a relatively strong spectacle, which, however, has its shortcomings. The biggest one is the long and protracted story, which is, however, so interesting that it successfully holds the viewer’s attention until the very end. And that’s what makes Jane Campion a striking film that’s worth seeing. The spectacular performance of Benedict Cumberbatch, who almost reincarnates into his character, is also very behind the spectacle. Fans of westerns will definitely not miss the end of the Dog Strength selection.
– –
–
