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The topic of whether or not Luc Besson has regained his previous success will likely anger those who doubt his previous successes. Besson may argue that the only measure of success is the box office numbers. However, this strange and dark drama-thriller is worth watching and Caleb Landry Jones delivers a strangely captivating performance as Douglas Munrow, a wheelchair-bound “Dogman” who is questioned by police psychologist Evelyn (played by Jojo T Gibbs) after being arrested in drag and covered in blood, while driving a van filled with his beloved dogs.
In a conversation with Evelyn, Murrow recalls his childhood spent in a dog kennel due to an abusive father and a resulting injury. He then reflects on his impactful teen years in a children’s home where he discovered a love for poetry through a drama student who later broke his heart. As an adult, Murrow takes on the job of caring for a dog pound and teaches the dogs to steal jewelry from wealthy homes, depicted in absurdly comical heist scenes. He also performs as Edith Piaf and Marlene Dietrich in drag on weekends.
This film is quite peculiar, and is Besson correct in assuming that American prisons still use traditional metallic keys on a ring for cell doors instead of modern electronic fobs? However, it is entertaining as the vibe of The Phantom of the Opera is replaced by that of Hannibal Lecter. The dogs themselves also add to the humor, with a variety of shapes and sizes running through the streets. (It is possible that Besson drew inspiration from Kornél Mundruczó’s film White God, which also features a chaotic rush of dogs.) The film may be shallow and carefree, and ultimately has no real substance, but it is executed with style.
Source: theguardian.com
