The Power of the Dog (2021)'s comments

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Siskoid

Visually more restrained than other movies in Jane Campion's filmography, The Power of the Dog deserves the treatment because it really is about repression. It looks like a macho western, but there's a lot bubbling under the surface, and sometimes ON the surface (Campion has never met a phallic symbol she didn't want to cast in this movie). Benedict Cumberbatch plays a misogynistic bully terrorizing his brother's wife (is there an Oedipus Complex equivalent for brothers?) and her wimpy son from another marriage, at least until he takes a shine to the boy. Or does he? And I swear, the third act had me wondering who was playing who. The sexual innuendo was really quite funny, but you couldn't really laugh because the scenes exuded menace. It's certainly a movie that's going out of its way to find the wrong audience, a non-action drama despite the cowboy dress, actually set a lot later than most, but then the leads aren't really what they seem, so it all fits. I think Campion is very psychological director and I respect her work immensely. It's rarely what you think it will be, and the better for it.

2 years 2 months ago

frankqb

Amazing cinematography, amazing performances, solid narrative. I could see some people calling this movie slow, but I'd say it's worth the effort to stick with it. This might win a few Oscars. Cinematography has to be a shoo in.

2 years 4 months ago

boulderman

Slow burning character developer as opposed to a story I'd say.
It felt like four different characters developed one by one, like an anthology/one short story after another. Inventive and aware it's based on a book.
Has an Of Mice and Men meets Brokeback Mountain quality.
Not sure about the score either. It's good but not great. 6/10

2 years 4 months ago

baraka92

This IS a FILM. Jane Campion truly gets what the medium is capable of.

Edit: The “romance” tag is VERY misleading. I’d say outright false.

2 years 5 months ago

Forzelius

Long live Jonny Greenwood. The music and the cinematography make this work.
Also "do you know who...?" Bronco fucking Henry, we get it. IT'S ALWAYS BRONCO HENRY

2 years 3 months ago

elcid

A noir western! Highly recommended.

1 year 9 months ago

devilsadvocado

If you're looking for an excuse to get back into the movie theater, TPotD is a film that really needs to be viewed on a large screen with surround sound.

Slow burner would be an understatement. The plot thickens deliciously but it takes its sweet time getting there. If you're a fan of breathtaking cinematography and Western locations/characters, you'll have plenty to stimulate you in the meantime. And if you can appreciate the Terrence Malick brand of florid realism and natural pacing, you'll enjoy Jane Campion's direction.

For acting, cinematography, writing, and plot, I give TPotD a strong score. My only marks against it are a few overly sentimental scenes which slightly disturbed the vibe (for me).

2 years 5 months ago