Based on the novel by Douglas Savage: in 1925 Montana, two families are amalgamated into the same household: the wealthy ranch-owning Burbank brothers Phil (Benedict Cumberbatch) and George (Jesse Plemons) plus the Gordon family who run an inn: widowed mother Rose (Kirsten Dunst) and her young adult son, Peter (Kodi Smit-McPhee). Phil's domineering, bullying personality intimidates other household members.
Jane Campion's directing and Ari Wegner's cinematography combine in a way that much of the photography - both interior and exterior - can elevate emotions. And the performances are very rich especially as some of the characters change significantly during the story: bullying Phil shows a kinder, warmer side in the film's second half as he mentors Peter (a small-framed and effeminate medical student) to develop ranch skills considered 'masculine'; Similarly, Peter changes as well during the dual character arc which also includes a few surprises; Rose's character also has an arc but it goes in a different direction: from someone who starts as self-caring and descends into self-destruction. George's character might be a bit under-developed compared to the others. As someone who is caring but also shows a social-climbing side, the film would have gained with a bit more emphasis on him. But this is a minor complaint.
Without revealing too much, there are some special scenes which also showcase the acting talent: Rose trying to practice a piano piece before a party (and Phil's unspoken intimidation coming from another room in the house) followed by the dinner party scene itself; a scene in which Phil and Peter are getting closer as Phil reveals details of his past; and an outburst cathartic scene by Phil near the end that shows Cumberbatch at his best.
The ending is fascinating though its lead-up has details that might not be obvious to those of us who are not so scientifically minded. Despite this, "The Power of the Dog" was still a very powerful movie experience. - dbamateurcritic
RATING: 9 our of 10
OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENTS: Acting by Benedict Cumberbatch (lead role) and Kirsten Dunst (supporting role)
Jane Campion's directing and Ari Wegner's cinematography combine in a way that much of the photography - both interior and exterior - can elevate emotions. And the performances are very rich especially as some of the characters change significantly during the story: bullying Phil shows a kinder, warmer side in the film's second half as he mentors Peter (a small-framed and effeminate medical student) to develop ranch skills considered 'masculine'; Similarly, Peter changes as well during the dual character arc which also includes a few surprises; Rose's character also has an arc but it goes in a different direction: from someone who starts as self-caring and descends into self-destruction. George's character might be a bit under-developed compared to the others. As someone who is caring but also shows a social-climbing side, the film would have gained with a bit more emphasis on him. But this is a minor complaint.
Without revealing too much, there are some special scenes which also showcase the acting talent: Rose trying to practice a piano piece before a party (and Phil's unspoken intimidation coming from another room in the house) followed by the dinner party scene itself; a scene in which Phil and Peter are getting closer as Phil reveals details of his past; and an outburst cathartic scene by Phil near the end that shows Cumberbatch at his best.
The ending is fascinating though its lead-up has details that might not be obvious to those of us who are not so scientifically minded. Despite this, "The Power of the Dog" was still a very powerful movie experience. - dbamateurcritic
RATING: 9 our of 10
OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENTS: Acting by Benedict Cumberbatch (lead role) and Kirsten Dunst (supporting role)