Review of Wiener-Dog (2016) by Stanley F — 03 Sep 2016

This movie ain't about a dog or dogs - it's more an observation of how cold and disappointing life can be without loving connection.

- the same dog becomes "owned" by a series of people who roughly sketch out the lifespan of a human being- "Weiner-dog" starts the film as a present for a sick boy blessed with a pair of other- loveless and self-loving parents, moves on to a floating 20-something woman who is desperate for some meaningful attachment, meanders via a disabled couple to somehow belng with a failed film scriptwriter , dead-ended as a teacher of what he has failed at, and ends up with an old woman counting down her remaining time alone apart from her carer.

The film could be a wholly depressive observation of life without love but is more than saved by a sharp, mordant wit and some great acting vignettes. It plays as a funny but caustic comment on human self-inflicted misery.

The dog - with whom each of these people could have made a real relationship, is more of a symbol of lost opportunity, observed alongside their behavioural pathology, patiently accompanying them with a quiet dignity - a silent critic.

The film does well with long takes and exaggeration, playing with your expectations, and is very well judged.

Recommended.