DOG MAN review by Marinell Haegelin
French director-writer Luc Besson ’ s English-language drama Dogman ’ s bark is worse than its bite regarding its violence , which is more of tone , texture , and terrorizing . Caleb Landry Jones ’ s portrayal of Douglas is stunning : poignant , sensuous , soulful , enduring . A rich character study of a browbeaten kid and a family that personifies dysfunction . Clemens Schick plays his dad , Mike , the complete opposite of Doug and the embodiment of evil who activates Doug ’ s journey into Dogman . Elder brother Richard ( Alexander Settineri ) delights in provoking and then aiding daddy ’ s meanness , posturing behind the façade of righteous religious fervor .
Doug ’ s life story unfolds in three different time periods , distant past , present , and recent past , that audiences can clearly follow thanks to Julien Rey ’ s extraordinary editing prowess , even when time periods switch in the blink of an eye . Doug is obviously intelligent from exchanges with people , and his actions portray a realist . Lincoln Powell gives a remarkable performance as the young Douglas , whose boldness against dad , ignoring his cringing mom ’ s warnings , lands him quite literally in the dog pen . Adding to the character mix that enters and exits Doug ’ s life , always making an impression whereby he easily judges their character , are Salma ( Grace Palma ), a mentor and Shakespeare fan , and Evelyn ( Jojo T . Gibbs ), a good listener and criminal psychiatrist . Doug metamorphoses into a chameleon-like drag-performer , lip-synching Edith Piaf , Marlene Dietrich , and Marilyn Monroe — Jones ’ s renditions are astounding — and captivating fellow drag entertainers Adam Speers , Emeric Bernard-Jones , et al . His involvement in the redistribution of wealth introduces insurance adjustor Christopher Denham as Ackerman , and gangster John Charles Aguilar .
And then , of course , there is the cast of Dogman ’ s family , from purebreeds to the “ Heinz 57 ” mutts , with all delivering barkingly good performances . Kudos to the patience and persistence of the animal trainers working with “ mans ’ best friends .” Stellar production values enrich audiences ’ experience : Colin Wandersman ’ s cinematography , Hugues Tissandier ’ s production design , and Eric Serra ’ s music .
The comparisons between humans and the animal kingdom are astute . Juggling his perceptive understanding for humans ’ capacity for cruelty and kindness , retribution and love , Bresson deftly maintains a delicate balance .
Dogman projects a man at peace with himself and his family , and , we sense , is following his predetermined plan .
Dogman is truly a must-see film . 113 minutes
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DOG MAN
FRANCE | USA 2023 OPENED OCTOBER 12 , 2023
DIRECTED BY : LUC BESSON WRITING CREDITS : LUC BESSON
PRINCIPAL ACTORS : CALEB LANDRY JONES , CLEMENS
SCHICK , JOJO T . GIBBS , CHRISTOPHER DENHAM MARISA
BERENSON , JAMES PAYTON
CURRENTS 49