The Power of the Dog

 

The Power of the Dog is a psychological drama adapted from the novel of the same name by Oscar and Golden Globe winning director Jane Campion. It stars Benedict Cumberbatch, Kirsten Dunst, Jesse Plemons and Kodi Smit-McPhee and is the story of a man who uses his powers of intimidation to ruin the lives of his family.

This 1920s western-adjacent drama had a score was erie and really taps into that western vibe. The editing and cinematography were great at showing the unease of situations and the anxiety of the characters, which the director, Campion, did an expert job in forcing the audience to sit in those uncomfortable situations. The vast, wide, dusty, lonely landscapes also helped to reflect the isolation of the situation. The themes of bullying, jealousy, sexuality, toxic masculinity and the psychological impacts of gaslighting where also prevalent throughout.


The character development was strong. The script did a great job in showing how each of the leads was either a representation of the past, present or future of an evolving era.

The casting was Oscar worthy. The performances from Benedict Cumberbatch, Kirsten Dunst, Jesse Plemons and Kodi Smit-McPhee were impeccable. Cumberbatch as Phil Burbank was a man who was stuck in the past, a man who was resistant to change. He was feared, he was controlling, manipulating, overtly masculine and cruel. However, once you start to peel the layers, you begin to see more to this misunderstood man, who is fighting his own demons. Dunst as Rose Gordon did an amazing job portraying the innocence of a woman and what can happen to someone when they are placed in an unbearable and isolating position. Plemons as George Burbank did a great job showing what it is like to be the brother of a psychological terrorist. A man who is also lonely, looking for love, with kindness in his heart and optimism through it all. A man who looks to the future, who embraces the evolutions of the world of technology. Smit-McPhee as Peter Gordon did well as the wallflower, the underestimated quirky character, confident in himself when no one else was.

For those who didn’t read the book, like me, you will find that this film, though slow moving, is unpredictable, full of content, and ends with a bang. Even though I am not a fan of the comments of late from the director, Jane Campion, she is a trailblazer in being only the third woman ever to win the award for Best Director, which I do feel was well deserved.