The Power Of The Dog
Starring: Benedict Cumberbatch, Kirsten Dunst, Kodi Smit-McPhee, Jesse Plemmons
Directed By: Jane Campion
Rated: R
The Power of the Dog is a slow burn (slow burn might be an understatement here) western based on the novel of the same name. The film follows brutish cowboy Phil (Benedict Cumberbatch) as he navigates life as a ranchhand. When Phil’s brother George (Jesse Plemmons) marries Rose (Kirsten Dunst), a widow with a teenage son, he does all in his power to make life difficult for Rose and her son.
On a technical level, The Power of The Dog is a very impressive film. The cinematography is stunning with exterior shots showcasing the scenic yet overwhelming landscapes of the old west. Director Jane Campion crafts a very quiet film that is much more focused on character than plot. Campion focuses on the ideas of masculinity in the Old West particularly through Phil, in his overtly brutish and vulgar demeanor. Campion showcases how Phil uses his masculinity as an intimidation tactic over others. These themes are also explored in Rose’s son Peter who is initially viewed as “less masculine” than the other men in the film due to his speaking style and hobbies, but Peter has other tricks up his sleeve. The two men seem to be complete opposites, yet there are undercurrents of power dynamics at play.
Benedict Cumberbatch gives a memorable and stand-out performance as Phil. It is menacing and very uncomfortable to watch at times. Cumberbatch becomes the domineering cowboy that leers over others with intensity. Phil is a vulgar man without much regard for others.
It’s Kodi Smit-McPhee who took me by surprise here as Peter. He’s an unpredictable presence throughout the film who says in the opening lines that he will do what he can to protect his mother. There’s something off about Peter that you just can’t put your finger on. Smit-McPhee showcases an eerieness to Peter that you won’t be forgetting.
Kirsten Dunst is haunting as Rose, the woman who is driven to alcoholism by Phil and his menacing ways. Dunst is always excellent and her performance here is no exception. However, I do wish we knew more about Rose. Dunst’s real-life partner Jesse Plemons appears to play her husband, George. Jesse Plemmons always adds to any movie, but there was simply not enough Jesse Plemons here. He was just a background character who existed as “George’s brother and Rose’s husband.” As an audience member, I didn’t know much about him at all.
Although the film is technically impressive and explores some very interesting themes, I cannot lie that this can be a bore to sit through at times. It’s a 2-hour film but does feel longer. The ending brings about easily the most intriguing plot point of the entire film, but it’s an element that could have happened 30 minutes earlier and been explored more thoroughly. I have a feeling this will probably be a divisive film with some calling it a masterpiece and others bored due to its pacing.
The Power of The Dog explores some intriguing themes about masculinity in the Old West. However, it’s held back by its pacing issues.
My Rating: 6/10