What Is the Story About?
Phil (Benedict Cumberbatch) and George Burbank (Jesse Plemons) are brothers with contrasting personalities. While Phil is outspoken and an alpha male guy, George comes across as meek and timid, who at times lacks the courage to say things to his brother.
One day, the brother’s stopover at an Inn post their cattle grazing session. George takes a liking to Rose Gordon (Kristen Dunst), the owner of the Hotel and a widow with a son. Soon they marry. This relationship affects Phil, more so as Rose has no liking for him after he ill-treats her son Peter. The movie’s core plot is what happens when Peter and Phil meet at the latter’s ranch in the summer after marriage.
Performances?
Benedict Cumberbatch as Phil delivers a memorable performance. He creates a perfect embodiment of an alpha male personality without any overboard theatrics. It is as much a physical act as it is mental. It is just his body language, the mood swings and the dialogue delivery that takes care of everything.
The characters small details are highlighted subtly and with intensity. The role of Phil is still in his ‘typical’ zone, though, but the way it’s dialled down a notch lower than the usual pitch of Benedict is where the difference comes from.
Analysis
Jane Campion, a senior pro, directs The Power Of The Dog . It is based on a novel of the same name. The Power Of The Dog is about three different male characters and a woman at its heart. How each one reacts to the given situation and their bonding is showcased in detail in the character-driven drama.
The opening few minutes are extremely slow and instantly tiring. One might even be bored with the initial proceedings and doze in between or switch off the whole thing. But, the sequences are vital to the events that take place next.
The story takes a turn when the Burbank brothers arrive at a hotel with their men. The whole sequence is crafted with great care and delicateness. The first interaction between Phil and Peter are crucial to what happens later.
The marriage and subsequent portions are alright and make one assume if the narrative is taking a predictable path. However, again with the re-introduction of Peter into the scheme of things, the tale gets interesting.
The best part of the movie begins once the journey between Phil and Peter commences. From the breaking ice scenario, which is entirely unexpected, to the slow bonding between the two, there is a lot of freshness in the narrative even though the overall story might appear predictable. There is a shocking, unexpected end, especially for those who think in the ‘predictable’ terms.
The pre-climax and climax are where the impact of the whole movie turns upside down. Now, when one recollects or watches the film from the beginning, a lot of planting would be understood that leads to the end. It further creates a rich experience viewing the movie.
The various characters and their inner feelings are revealed in layers that keep the proceedings intriguing despite the slow pace.
Overall, The Power Of The Dog has a brilliant ensemble together. They deliver the required without going unnecessarily melodramatic anywhere. If you love character dramas, then The Power Of The Dog is an easy and interesting one time watch.
Other Artists?
The cast of The Power Of The Dog is limited, and each individual lives in the parts given to them. Kirsten Dunst, Jesse Plemons, and Kodi Smit-McPhee play vital roles.
Kirsten Dunst does well in a part that mostly stays in the background. She comes to the fore during the second act and is as good as anyone else during those portions. The ‘Dining Table sequence’ or the many scenes where she comes face to face with Phil are well-acted.
Initially, Jesse Plemons and Kodi Smit-McPhee seem to play a similar characters across different ages. However, as more story is revealed, we see the difference and both shine. The rest of the actors do their minor roles adequately.
Music and Other Departments?
Jonny Greenwood’s music is calm and moody, in tune with the movie’s tone. A cowboy feel is also developed simultaneously. Ari Wegner’ cinematography is excellent. The locations are captured picturesquely, with each frame appearing like a photo card. The editing is fine as the slow pace is deliberate. The writing is consistently barring a few scenes in between.
Highlights?
Performances
Story
Pre-Climax And Climax
Cinematography
Drawbacks?
Very Slow Pace
Beginning Portions
Ambiguous Ending
Did I Enjoy It?
Yes
Will You Recommend It?
Yes
The Power Of The Dog Movie Review by Binged Bureau
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