Review of Dogtooth (2009) by Alexandru M — 26 May 2011

Just adding this little blurb on my original review. So it was brought to my attention by my cinephile soulmate BFF Ayush Panta that there was this little Spanish film called 'The Castle of Purity' made in the 70s that sounded very similar to 'Dogtooth'. Well after watching said film its clear 'Dogtooth' is a "re-imagining" at best of the original film. I would never go out of my way to say anything like this but since the filmmakers didn't give even the slightest mention to the original film I feel its warranted.

Some people say there is a deeper meaning in this film. They say there is some sort of raging social commentary to it. If you believe there is anything concrete to that, bless ya. I see it more as a film that is so polarizing and absurd it defies definition. The events in this film are so off the wall that eventually you laugh at them so you can feel safe about it. The director Giorgos Lanthimos strips the film of any style and leaves you with barely any answers as to what you just saw. Considering how bizarre this film is the performances are actually quite brilliant in how they're toned down. Can't recommend this for everyone or even a small group of people but its truly outrageous and the Academy voters should be commended for even nominating this.