Our JP reviews “DogMan” about a young man (Caleb Landry Jones), scarred by life, discovers his redemption through the affection of his canine companions.
DogMan
Briarcliff Entertainment
- Directed by Luc Besson
- Screenplay by Luc Besson
- Produced by Virginie Besson-Silla
- Starring Caleb Landry Jones, Jojo T. Gibbs, Christopher Denham, Grace Palma
Studio Synopsis:
From acclaimed director Luc Besson (The Fifth Element, The Professional), “DogMan” tells the story of a man who, following a traumatic childhood, finds salvation and justice through his connection with dogs.
J.P.’s Take:
Director Luc Besson (“La Femme Nikita,” “The Fifth Element”) is known for his ability to craft unique and fantastical tales featuring unconventional characters that could easily exist in our world. That’s one of his strong suits, which is the reason I’m a fan of his work.
In his latest outlandish fable, “Dogman,” Besson tells a dark and twisted story of a young man who has faced trauma in his life, only to find solace and companionship in man’s best friend, dogs. As the narrative unfolds, it becomes evident that “Dogman” shares similarities with other bleak and prophesying narratives like “Joker” and M. Night Shyamalan’s “Unbreakable” trilogy.
The principal player, Douglas Munrow (Caleb Landry Jones, “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri,” “Get Out,” “Nitram”), recounts his disturbing past growing up in a dysfunctional, religiously twisted family with a deranged father. Despite his traumatic upbringing, Munrow becomes a mythical figure in a corrupt city, in which he adapts by commanding a pack of dogs, as though it were a superpower. It becomes apparent that he embraces his vigilante persona, while blurring the lines between hero and villain.
The story would have fallen apart if it wasn’t for Caleb Landry Jones’ conviction in playing Douglas Munrow. He gives such an eerie, yet heartwarming portrayal that you’d want him to win.
Along with Jones, the cast includes Jojo T. Gibbs (“Twenties”) plays Evelyn, Christopher Denham (“Argo”) as Ackerman, Clemens Schick (“Sergio,” “Andor”) as Mike Munrow, John Charles Aguilar as El Verdugo, and Grace Palma as Salma Bailey.
“DogMan” presents itself as a unique antihero film that could have easily leaned towards horror or action, but instead delves into a curious and strange drama centered around an eccentric character. Despite the seemingly preposterous nature of Munrow’s antics stemming from his tragic upbringing, there is an odd sense of justification that makes you empathize with him in a mythical way.
Douglas Munrow’s fantastical journey is shaped by his broken spirit and his will to survive, in a world where he sets the rules. Yet, despite the story’s shortcomings and missed opportunities to draw out a sharply ironic narrative, I admit “DogMan” is an understated and intriguing romp.
Official Site: DogMan
