The Power of the Dog has been directed by Jane Campion and is based on the novel written by Thomas savage. It is an intriguing encounter of fascinating personality traits weaved together in a tense and almost intimidating environment. Benedict Cumberbatch plays Phil Burbank and absorbs the intricacies of the world with such an ease that you forget that he was the same man who played an over-the-top fictional superhero or an overweening and “know it all” detective.
Ari Wegner, the cinematographer, treats you with a visual delight of the never-ending stretches of ranches in Montana of the 1920s. The film never operates in the eccentric wordy style often adapted by Quintin Tarantino; rather, it chooses to move its narrative forward through intense glares that are often domineering and sometimes down-casted. Let’s understand the contradictions inside Phil Burbank and how it eats him up from the inside!
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‘The Power of the Dog’ Plot Summary
The film opens, and you see Phil walking obtrusively and almost soaked in the cowboy couvade. This man does not give himself an option to feel anything else than what “a man” is supposed to. His words are harsh and have the potential to pierce anyone who does not have thick skin.
His brother George Burbank is his extreme opposite. He is suave in his approach and gentle in his ways and means. He is often subdued under the influence of his brother. Though George looks after the administration of the ranches and his estate, he is not given as much respect as Phil by the fellow cowboys. There is a clear hierarchy of power that has been established, and George most of the time submits to that without contesting his brother’s authority. But when he sees Rose Gordon for the first time, he dares to oust his brother from his position of power and decides to marry the innkeeper.
Though Phil had felt entrapped by his own emotions before, this was the first time that he felt helpless due to his brother’s actions. He saw this as a carefully maneuvered plan on Rose’s part. George getting married to Rose meant there would be an obstacle in the influence he generally exercised over his brother. So from the word go, Phil declares that he despises the presence of Rose in his brother’s life.
Peter Gordon is Rose’s son and is harrowed by Phil for his effeminate physicality and behavior. It earns him the pseudonym of “Nancy.” But slowly, a change of state happens. An unlikely bond between Phil and Peter makes Rose worried. She doesn’t feel that her son is safe with the hubristic cowboy who wants to be the undisputed master of his domain.
Phil often talks about Bronco Henry, whom he considers as his mentor. With time we realized that Phil shared a bond with Bronco that was more than just a mentor-mentee relationship. Peter somehow, with his inviting gaze, gets Phil to behave with him in a normal manner. They end up talking and developing an intimate bond.
Major Spoilers Ahead
‘The Power of the Dog’ Ending, Explained – Did Peter Kill Phil?
After getting bullied, humiliated and domineered by Phil, Peter somehow manages to develop an unlikely bond and have a conversation in a dauntless fashion. Phil agrees to make a lasso from the rawhide that he has. This step towards a brooding friendship comes just after a scene where Peter sees Phil taking a bath and also finds the adult magazine collection with Bronco Henry written on it.
It is a unique situation where ruthless pragmatism met a self-conflicting masculine force. Peter was taken to be a totally different person by Phil. Peter tells him that his late father often considered him to be very cruel. Phil scorns off in his ritualistic cowboy behavior, judging Peter’s physical attributes and characteristics, which were far away from his definition of manlike. But his perception changes. Peter kills a rabbit without flinching an eye. It was not only about the rabbit. The action in itself was so unnerving that it even made an intimidating man like Phil stop for a moment and look into those cold-blooded eyes of Peter.
Peter is well aware that his mother’s health is deteriorating, and he blames Phil for that. He tells his mother that he will find a cure for her. Phil loses his temper completely when Rose gives his rawhide to a native Indian family. A scheming Peter sees it as an opportunity. He gives him the rawhide that he had once skinned from an animal when he went alone in the mountains. That animal was suffering from Anthrax, and Peter knew about it. Phil gets Anthrax and succumbs to it. Peter got what he wanted as he had always blamed Phil for his mother’s alcohol problem. He deceived Phil completely, who was starting to grow fond of him. Phil took Peter in the same spirit as once Bronco Henry took him. He was totally unaware of the conniving nature of the innocent-looking boy.
In Conclusion
The Power of the Dog is an in-depth analysis of characters, giving us unfathomable depths and layering without even having any detailed conversations or dialogs. Benedict Cumberbatch as Phil is a formidable force to reckon with. There is a certain affection in his tone whenever he speaks about Bronco Henry, but he never gives himself a choice to dwell in that territory. There is a kind of image that he has imagined in his mind that is perfect according to him, and he swears by that.
Though he belongs to a wealthy family, he never considers himself to be a part of the affluent society. He is that disruptive force that contradicts the established norms of sophistication because spiritually, he had never been a part of this world. He kept the saddle on which Bronco sat and all the things related to him because he knew a part of him went the day Bronco left this world and that no matter how hard he tried would never come back.
The Power of the Dog is a 2021 Period Drama Thriller film written and directed by Jane Campion. It is streaming on Netflix.
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As someone deeply immersed in the world of film analysis and storytelling, I can assure you that "The Power of the Dog" is a cinematic masterpiece that intricately explores the complexities of human relationships and the clash between traditional masculinity and vulnerability. I'll delve into the various concepts presented in the article, shedding light on the film's narrative, characters, and thematic elements.
First and foremost, "The Power of the Dog" is directed by Jane Campion, a renowned filmmaker known for her unique storytelling approach. Jane Campion's directorial style often involves nuanced character studies and a keen focus on visual storytelling. In this film, she brings to life the novel written by Thomas Savage, showcasing her ability to adapt and interpret literary works on the big screen.
The cinematography, handled by Ari Wegner, is a visual delight that transports the audience to the vast landscapes of 1920s Montana. Wegner's work captures the essence of the time and place, providing viewers with a visual experience that complements the film's tense and intimidating atmosphere. The use of intense glares and downcast expressions, as mentioned in the article, speaks to Wegner's skill in conveying emotions through visuals rather than relying on verbose dialogue.
Benedict Cumberbatch's portrayal of Phil Burbank is a testament to his acting prowess. The article rightly notes Cumberbatch's ability to seamlessly transition from roles like an over-the-top fictional superhero or a "know it all" detective to a character like Phil Burbank. This transformation showcases Cumberbatch's versatility and deep understanding of his craft, making Phil a compelling and multi-dimensional character.
The article discusses the contrasting personalities of Phil and his brother George Burbank. The power dynamics between the two characters are highlighted, emphasizing Phil's domineering nature and George's more subdued approach. This dynamic sets the stage for a narrative that explores the consequences of challenging established power structures and societal norms.
The introduction of Rose Gordon and her son, Peter, adds another layer to the story. The article touches upon Phil's disdain for Rose and his bullying of Peter, labeling him as "Nancy." However, as the narrative unfolds, a surprising bond develops between Phil and Peter, challenging preconceived notions and expectations. This shift in dynamics sets the stage for a complex exploration of masculinity and vulnerability.
The article hints at Phil's mentorship with Bronco Henry, a relationship that goes beyond the conventional mentor-mentee dynamic. This adds a layer of complexity to Phil's character, showcasing a deeper emotional and personal connection. The revelation of Phil's vulnerability and inner conflicts adds depth to the narrative, making "The Power of the Dog" a character-driven exploration of identity and self-discovery.
As the article ventures into spoilers regarding the film's ending, it teases a dramatic turn of events involving Peter and Phil. The use of Anthrax as a plot device adds a layer of tragedy and deception, unraveling the intricate relationships built throughout the film. This twist in the plot underscores the film's ability to subvert expectations and deliver a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant conclusion.
In conclusion, "The Power of the Dog" stands as a testament to the skill of its director, the talent of its cast, and the depth of its storytelling. It navigates through themes of masculinity, power dynamics, and unexpected connections, leaving a lasting impression on viewers. Whether through the lens of Jane Campion's direction, Ari Wegner's cinematography, Benedict Cumberbatch's performance, or the intricacies of the plot, every element contributes to the film's status as a compelling and thought-provoking piece of cinema.
