Review of the movie “Dogman”: A Quirky and Absurdist Tale
In the eccentric world of Luc Besson’s “Dogman,” reality blurs with the fantastical, leaving viewers both bewildered and intrigued. This film dances on the edge of absurdity, inviting us into a universe where dogs are more than man’s best friend—they’re accomplices in a heist-filled adventure.
Meet Doug (played by the enigmatic Caleb Landry Jones), a luckless protagonist whose life is a relentless rollercoaster of misfortune. Seeking solace from humanity, Doug retreats to an abandoned school, where he forms an inexplicable bond with a pack of canine companions. These dogs are no ordinary pets; they’re his confidantes, his partners in crime, and his unlikely salvation.
The film’s premise is as wacky as it sounds: Doug, a wheelchair user, moonlights as a drag artist while orchestrating daring jewel heists with his furry gang. Yes, you read that right—dogs as jewel thieves. Their rapport with Doug borders on the psychic; they understand English perfectly and execute their tasks with precision. From tiptoeing into a wealthy woman’s bedroom to gripping a local crime lord’s nether regions, these canine criminals are multitasking maestros.
Besson’s cinematography bathes the screen in otherworldly hues. The unkempt urban landscape, filmed through a sickly yellow filter by Nicolai Brüel, mirrors Doug’s chaotic existence. Every inch of the set looks like it hasn’t seen a scrub in years, emphasizing the grimy aesthetics of Doug’s world.
Caleb Landry Jones’s performance is a revelation. He captures Doug’s kindness, fear, and desperation without uttering a word. We ache for him as he tries to please Simoncino, the coke-addled, violent man who wields power over everyone. Doug’s yearning for acceptance and influence drives him to absurd lengths, and Jones portrays this inner struggle with haunting authenticity.
Yet, “Dogman” is not without its flaws. It’s as ludicrous as it is original, and Besson’s vision doesn’t always find its footing. The film’s scattershot approach leaves us both fascinated and bewildered. But perhaps that’s the point—to challenge our notions of storytelling and embrace the audacious.
In this quirky tale, Luc Besson invites us to suspend disbelief, laugh at the improbable, and question our own desires for power and connection. “Dogman” is a cinematic oddity that will linger in your mind long after the credits roll. Watch movie.
Watch The Trailor: DogMan
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