A Letter to True

This is one of those movies that will make dog-lovers smile even though it takes a very diverse approach to its material. Photographer Bruce Weber has led an interesting life over the years and this film allows him to share these moments with documentary audiences using a letter-writing device to connect the varied material. Scenes from dog movies like "Lassie" are contrasted both with Weber's own dogs and famous people who are similarly connected to their canine pals. Anecdotes range from Dirk Bogarde's cancer-infected lover forcing a move out of Provence to Elizabeth Taylor's heartfelt call to man dying of AIDS, neither of which seem to connect to life with dogs in any way except that Bogarde owned Corgi's and Taylor her constant companion 'Sugar'. But Weber seems sure of his material and weaves it together with a wonderful source music score of jazz standards belted out by Ella Fitzgerald, Doris Day, and Joni James. Kind of an odd duck for a dog movie but those that own man's best friend should enjoy this ode to the gorgeous Irish Setter 'True'.

The wonderful music kept me in this movie. Especially the tenor sax, my "true" love.

Interesting but disconnected vignettes held together only by melodious bonds.

This is wonderful film that I just happened to come across while flipping channels on the TV -- and was immediately drawn in. I am now trying to find it on DVD but fear that it has not been released. I was captivated by the soulful images of the Goldens and other animals, the water and the overall feeling of peace and good will it seemed to convey. I was totally relaxed by the time the film ended and left wanting to see more, which is why I'm trying to learn whether it is available on DVD yet. I was not previously familiar with any of Bruce Weber's work but will now certainly be looking for more films and photos by him.

This was an OK movie, but in the scenes with the ranch family, the "boys" are abusing the donkeys and horses by first, carrying the donkey over his shoulders and then riding the horse backwards, with the horse running and bucking to get the guy off and the donkey squirming to get off the guy's shoulders. Where were the animals rights people when this segment was being filmed? I don't see the relevance for this segment at all. There also should have been more stories about the dogs, rather than the people. Also, what did the actor Dirk Bogarde do with his Corgis when he had to move to take care of his lover? There were a lot of unanswered questions in this movie.

I had watched this twice on Sundance, the first time wondering what was the point.

Bruce Weber's pastiche is really just that. An abstract of his moments, people he has known, 9/11, Liz Taylor, a can of Chef Boyardee, his friend dying of AIDS. Dirk Bogarde, Haitian oppression, Rin Tin-Tin, his summer house, the beautiful dogs, romping on the beach.

I first saw this during a loss of my own, imminent divorce. Thinking of war, there are no clear answers. This film works if only to get a smattering of someones life; at least this is reality TV worth watching, the personalities are noteworthy.

If you are not a stickler for theme, and are a dog lover you may enjoy this. It is recommended as long as you are a creative person who can go with the flow.