If you're the kind of film buff who enjoys picking apart and discussing a movie scene by scene, then this is the film for you.
It's been three days since I watched The Power of the Dog and I'm still thinking about it, moments re-entering my mind. And the great thing is, you can interpret it in so many ways!
For a film that's got four main characters, a vast, bleak but beautiful landscape and a score that's as lonely and unforgiving as both the vast Wild West and the antagonist, Phil Burbank, it packs a whole lot in. Every moment is where it should be, from lingering silences, the placement of a hand, the note of a musical instrument, the pill of a rope.
Phil Burbank is a brute of a man conditioned by the life he lives and the one he denies. He exudes the bravado of control and dominance, everything one would expect from a ranch master. Benedict Cumberbatch embodies him completely, the tension in his body breaking in minuscule moments of solitude showing his true self. He is truly is a master of his craft, and I don't know many other actors (if any) who could've pulled this off.
His brother, is a soft and shy George, clearly presenting as the "brains" of the business even though he knows he's not the cleverer of the two, and consigned always to be second-best. When he summons the courage to approach Rose, he presents his masculinity in kinder ways. Rose, a widow who seems quite beaten by her lot, takes a liking. And while they love one another, it's her introduction to the family home that triggers Phil's campaign of nastiness and torment. Both are played with an outstanding touch by real life husband and wife Jesse Plemons and Kirsten Dunst, the latter really going through the wringer and performing her descent with aplomb.
It's her son, Peter, played in mesmerising fashion by Kodi Smit-McPhee (who id never heard of before this movie) who ends up being the key to the story's development. I'll say no more but Kodi is brilliant, and I hope this is the first of many star performances by him.
Of course, this epic western psycho-drama needs its leader and Jane Campion, surrounded by a clearly incredible crew and supporting cast, is the magician of the piece. As I said before, everything has its place, nothing is wasted - and upon rewatching I know I'll discover new details to think upon.
It's up for multiple awards already, and is very much in the running for the big ones - and you can see why. This is a film lover's film. And for the casual viewer also a visual treat with depth, meaning and thought-provoking takeaways.
