Il potere del cane

I watched this movie without any particular expectations, and I was positively surprised!

This is not your usual western, the pace is really slow and I would say that it's one of those movies which are strongly based on the atmosphere more than on the plot. If this kind of movies are of your taste, I strongly recommend watching it.

The director did an amazing job in creating a tense atmosphere since the very beginning, and in keeping it up for the whole length of the screentime. The main characters are complex and well defined, and the actors were perfectly cast. I think this was my favourite performance by Benedict Cumberbatch, who once again proved to be a versatile actor.

Maybe the character that I liked less is Kirsten Stuart's, who in my opinion was a bit too one-dimensional and maybe deserved more lines or screen time, since she happened to be pretty important for the development of the plot.

I liked the twist at the ending, which I wasn't expecting since I didn't read the book the movie is based on.

I just randomly watched this movie, not knowing anything about it at all, just that I like Benedict as an actor. It was slow and sort of unsettling and I had to ponder the movie for a while after it finished. Let me just say this, the devil is in the details with this one. Pay very close attention when watching it, I think it pays off pretty well. I had several 'oh crap' moments after the movie, when I started connecting the dots. To call this a Western is a bit misleading, the setting is in the west (Montana) but that really has nothing to do with the movie at all, nor should it define its genre. I can see how folks might not like this one due to the pacing and some of the subject matter but the acting really is quite good and the movie is well made. Also, let's just say the ending might pass right over some people's head if they hadn't been paying attention or had already made up their mind what the movie was about. I'd really love to say more but spoilers and all. I think this one will start out slow with audiences but will age well over time.

The Power of the Dog was interesting, however I couldn't decipher what it was trying to say. And while the acting from Benedict Cumberbatch, Kirsten Dunst, and the rest of the cast is solid, the film seems a little pretentious. I also was distracted by some directorial choices. Perhaps it's because I heard so much buzz about it, but I just feel like The Power of the Dog is overrated.

Very well made western, Greenwood's atmospheric soundtrack creates great tension to the scenes. Strong performances from Benedict Cumberbatch in a unconventional role and supporting cast impressive, Dunst, Plemons, particularly Kodi Smit-McPhee.

Found the film to be an engaging watch.

Rancher Phil Burbank is brash, tough, and seemingly without humanity, his life changes however when the possibility of romance enters into his life.

You cannot casually watch this film, it doesn't allow for that, you need to be fully invested in it, or you will miss vital details. Don't be derailed by the first ten minutes or so, stick with it, as it is slow to start, but opens up incredibly well.

The visuals are incredible, those wondrous mountain ranges look phenomenal, and the incredible attention to the most minute of details is impressive, you truly feel that you're transported to the time.

I would suggest it may not be for everyone, genre wise it's a little curious, not a Romance or a Western in the strictest sense, but there are several elements here.

It's gritty, its harsh, but it's also sensual and intense, it's truly not what I was expecting.

Benedict Cumberbatch gives a truly mesmerising performance as Burbank, once again showcasing his depth and versatility. Kirsten Dunst excellent too, it's a very strong cast, with real depth.

Wow that really does look like a dog.

8/10.