NYFF 2021: THE POWER OF THE DOG

The understanding of masculinity is a common thread in the history of cinema. Both societal and unconventional perceptions of what “real” masculinity is are constantly churned through the celluloid fabric of the imagination and the screen. But is there a true masculine form? Through the harrowing depictions within The Power of the Dog, writer and director Jane Campion delivers a powerful and poignant view of masculinity and strength, questioning the rigidity of its definitions.

Yet, The Power of the Dog reaches further, complicating that which we think we understand, interlacing grief, loneliness and fear into ever fabric of its creation and character. This is a film that lends itself to multiple views, each layer peeled away with each viewing, nuances woven so intricately, there are new discoveries each time around.

A Memorable Western

Broken into five parts, each act tackles a portion of Phil’s (Benedict Cumberbatch) story, revealing more about the time and the character with each passing moment. While this is not strictly Phil’s story, he is the primary figure, his actions and words rippling outward to those around him – at times with devastating effect. From the beginning of the film, he demands the attention of the audience, both in theater seats and on horseback, his primary sights set on his brother.

Early on as Phil, his brother George (Jesse Plemons), and their fellow ranchers lead the herd back to their cattle ranch in Montana, there is a feeling of uncertainty between the brothers. As Phil reminisces about their years of herding together, there seems to be a longing for a connection, coupled with the fear of change. Retaining a rigid structure defined by tradition, every move Phil seems to make surrounds the need for his brother’s continued inclusion and conformity, Phil’s anger rising as the sense of control seems to slip out of his fingers.

It is in these early moments viewers are introduced to the toxic masculinity that defines Phil’s behavior. As others embrace Phil’s perceived strength and sense of identity, his brother George stays back lingering just on the outside, his own longing for a better life and love seemingly pushing him further and further away from his brother. With the marriage to his wife Rose (Kirsten Dunst), the tension between the brothers only continues to grow, Phil’s need to maintain relevance and strength creating not only a further rift but defining contrast the brothers create against one another.

An Examination of Masculinity and Strength

As each character moves around the other, neither willing to cross a line, but at times willing to push, the idea of masculinity continues to rise up. The Power of the Dog is vital in its examination of male masculinity. While Phil encompasses the typical aspects of toxic masculinity, there is more to him than meets the eye. There is a deeper and more resonating psychological driving force that pushes his actions, perspective on the world, and self-imposed barriers.

Where The Power of the Dog differs from works in the past with regards to masculinity is in its look at the strength behind what defines masculinity. For many, it is the strength of the body. For Phil, it is the success as a rancher, the ability to ride well, to handle the cattle, and wear the work he bore. He has an innate sense of superiority, to which his perceived strength entitles him. He is the reason the ranch survives and thrives, and without the strength within the backbone, everything would crumble.

The Power of the Dog does not only give viewers an examination of the brute strength of the body, but of the mind as well. Is one better than the other? Phil is constantly praised by others for his knowledge and schooling, yet through Phil’s eyes, we see his strength in the ability to ranch. For those around him, the strength of the mind makes others less of a man. You need the calluses on your hands and the dirt on your skin to show your strength. Physical versus mental evolves the film’s masculine examination, effectively intensifying the narrative while infusing multifaceted elements to its characters.

Strength Goes A Step Further

The strength within The Power of the Dog goes beyond just masculinity, however. It is a multilayered film whose complexity is its beauty. Beyond the heavily focused ideas of masculinity, The Power of the Dog is a harrowing look at grief and its everlasting effects on the person. Grief is a powerful emotion that drives individuals, even when they are not aware of it. The aftermath of grief can have lasting effects on the body and the mind, leaving longing, anger, loneliness, and fear in its wake.

For The Power of the Dog, grief is felt in solitude, the isolation of the mind closing individuals off from others. For each character affected by grief, they are left to their own devices and to cope in whatever means they can. Grief in its own right can come from a multitude of sources, and The Power of the Dog is not afraid to embrace the grief and fear felt from a sense of no longer being relevant and subsequently feeling left behind. While others are moving forward in time, others are trapped in the past.

As The Power of the Dog shows, we can put up a face, but there is always more going on below the surface.

Performance and Technical Craft

The Power of the Dog boasts brilliantly filmed sweeping shots of the New Zealand mountainside. These shots are matched by the film’s moving score from composer Jonny Greenwood. The strings are plucked with precision and intent, creating space between the notes, heightening the vast beauty and loneliness of the Montana mountainside. Music echoes the hope but also the vastness, almost an extension of time on the mountains. As screen and sound marry, the film both opens and ends with a feeling of grandeur and an overwhelming sense of being frozen in time.

Beyond Greenwood’s score and the gorgeous cinematography of Ari Wegner, The Power of the Dog is loaded with unbelievable performances, including a career-best for Benedict Cumberbatch. He infuses Phil with an air of danger, masking a complicated soul just below the surface. As much as Phil wants to break free from his self-imposed restraints, Cumberbatch maintains the tension, keeping Phil’s inner turmoil implied and understood. Jesse Plemons exudes a calming effect to the film that manages to ease the tension, preventing it from breaking free. He and Cumberbatch exude strong chemistry, working not only together, but also allowing their characters to work in opposition as well. Kodi Smit-Phee wields a quietly reserved confidence in his Peter, exuding strength beyond the body.

The Power of the Dog further boasts strong female performances, particularly in Kirsten Dunst. Her Rose, much like her son Peter, is quiet and reserved. She struggles not only with herself and her own voice but with living within a world of men. Constantly in an environment of nourishment and criticism, Dunst gives Rose the room and fortitude to experience the highs and lows of life on the ranch and the means necessary to cope. Tomasin McKenzie may not be in the film much, but she steals every scene she is in. She is the humor and the beacon of effervescent hope in a sea of sorrow, grief, and tension.

Conclusion: The Power of the Dog

The visual language of The Power of the Dog is exquisite, haunting in its vast isolation, yet magnificent in the power that it exudes. Coupled with strong performances, the film delivers on its promise, offering a solid narrative tale of strength, masculinity, and grief in the secluded mountainsides of Montana. A contender for one of the year’s best films, The Power of the Dog is sure to retain its strength come awards season.

The Power of the Dog played at the New York Film Festival on October 1, 2021.

Watch The Power of the Dog