DEAD DOG
Fan Review by Naomi, Brasil, December 2, 2008
Perseguição Obsessiva---*** of **** stars. This film receives extra star for originality but less one star for some problems editing. Some scenes feel cut off too early or jumping back and forth too much when they should ave all been left longer and editing smoother. Still, this movie, known as Dead Dog in the USA, is a very strange and amusing movie. I think Jeremy Sisto and Paige Turco did such good performances that they deserve awards. The late Isaac Hayes plays himself, sort of wisecracking but wise too. The late Adrienne Shelley who worked with Jeremy later in Waitress also does a great performance. The title and presentation of this as a dramatic thriller are a little off, as it is more of an amusing morality tale, almost comedy. a great example of a movie that is nt what it seems and will surprise you. Quirky, funny, touching at times, ironic. Honorable mention for actors Christopher Cousin and David Thornton for their "villainous" character roles, and for Jay O. Sanders. Also in the first rate cast (Why so many good but small films with good cast get no theatre play?) are Julianne Nicholson and Emily Cline.
Tom (Sisto) and his longtime love Perri (Turco) live a happy life in New York City. They make good money (even though you need even more to live in a nice house in that city) and have nice careers. They are somewhat opposites: He is a nice, straight-arrow guy who came up from deep South...he is from a Christian background and has those beliefs when it comes to criminals, the justice system, and morality and integrity; and she is a NYC native with the city in her blood. She would never feel at home any place else. She dresses in career casual clothes but happens to have a number of exotic tattoos on her body! Even with these differences, they have had a relationship for a few years and have decided that they will soon get married. One day, things begin to fall apart between them when Perri, while walking Tom's dog Sophie, an eleven year old retriever, accidentally lets the dog off the leash and it is hit by a car. The driver callously drives away without even asking if the dog is ok. Tom is sad and angry at Perri at first, but quickly becomes obsessive and begins to seek information about the man who killed his pet. The rest I leave for you if you are interested. It's not the perfect movie or my favorite, but it is a great story and good performances!
"Sophie" & "Perri" doll made by Mari
