MovieChat Forums > A Dog's Purpose (2017) Discussion > Reader of Ray Bradbury Remarks (No spoil...

Reader of Ray Bradbury Remarks (No spoilers for film or written works.)

posted 8 years ago by CoriSCapnSkip (2170)
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Posted this review on the official Ray Bradbury Message Board http://raybradburyboard.com/groupee?s=8881014801&ORIGINAL_REFERRER_URL=http%3A%2F%2Fraybradburyboard.com%2Fgroupee so it's geared to that but decided not to change it.

After checking on the controversy over possible mistreatment of an animal during the filming of "A Dog's Purpose," http://www.adogspurposemovie.com I decided the incident, although a genuine occurrence (or rather several occurrences edited together to give the effect that they happened at the same time) which should have been handled differently, was blown out of proportion by someone with an agenda and that I could in good conscience view it.

During this film I experienced many Bradburyesque moments. Idyllic small town and rural American scenes unfolded on shady streets and at a country carnival. Shots of a dog bounding through wheat fields gave me a real "Dandelion Wine" feeling. In several places it was reminiscent of "The Emissary," and if one scene in particular did not recall that story to the viewer, that viewer is not a genuine Ray Bradbury reader.

Parts of the story also depict urban settings and characters from various backgrounds and walks of life, calling to mind Bradbury's extensive and colorful cast of characters. The use of music throughout the film, particularly popular music to set different time periods, was nothing short of brilliant, and the use of TV show clips and other aspects of American life are also skillfully employed.

The Bradbury story most specific to the movie's theme is "The Reincarnate," but many touches reminiscent of his best work and the film's emotional impact will overwhelm Bradbury fans and animal lovers alike. This film is utterly remarkable in that despite some distressing scenes, it is absolutely suitable for viewers of all ages, an unheard-of rarity these days. My friend brought her three-year-old granddaughter. By all means see this, take your family, and bring lots of tissues!

[–] beja (35) 8 years ago

Thank you for a great review, Cori! I thought I might had to make a thread on an empty board, and I'm glad that I found your post. I checked IMDb and its rating, I was surprised at the low rating and an even lower metascore, ouch! But it seems like the audience love it, it's been doing well in the US.

The thing is, I just read an article in the Swedish paper Aftonbladet (I'm a Swede) about Lasse Hallström and his rage over that this film is not going to be released at theatres here in Sweden but going directly to DVD, and I find that extremely odd. Hallström is truly a beloved director here, and who doesn't love "My Life as a Dog"? The film is sold to most countries in Europe, all in all 31. But not Sweden. But based on your review and a big fan of Hallström's special touch when making a film, I'll pre-order it... 😥

[–] CoriSCapnSkip (2170) 8 years ago

The low score is due to overzealous well-intended boycotters running it down following controversy of treatment of one of the dogs involved, not the quality of the film. I have seen "My Life As a Dog" several times both in the theater and on TV and find it a shame this wonderful film will not be released in theaters in Sweden.

[–] beja (35) 8 years ago

Thank you Cori, that's what I thought. And since Jim went to the trouble of transplanting existing threads from IMDb's boards, it's now possible to read what is said in the matter. And it's the usual stuff and ouch, lots of trolls! :( Hallström is a dog person himself and harming any dog (not that anyone would) is just nonsense.

Maybe this isn't one of Hallström's best and I really don't understand why it's not shown here, it is odd and yes, a shame. But judging by the trailers and your review, it seems like a film I will love. Pre-ordered! 😉 Thanks again!

[–] CoriSCapnSkip (2170) 8 years ago

The video of the dog resisting entering rough water was real, (though not actually a river as the movie makes it look, but a pool churned up to look like a river,) but heavily edited and taken out of context. Even when I saw it, you cannot make me believe for a moment that professional moviemakers, particularly the animal's trainers and handlers, would intentionally harm an animal. Those people make their living by their animals, their ability with them, and their reputation. The trainer had too much time and effort invested in that animal to make him do anything which would really hurt him and in fact he was not hurt, only frightened or alarmed to the point of resistance. This was blown out of proportion by someone with an agenda and picked up by a bunch of sheep who will boycott whatever they're told. It's a shame a wonderful film was damaged by this.

[–] beja (35) 8 years ago

I totally agree with you, Cori. There's no way - just as you say - that professional filmmakers and *especially* animal's trainers and handlers would allow something like that to happen. No way.

I thought it'd be useless to google this in Swedish, but I found this on E!News, and I'm not a fan of the gossip mags, but these quotes are from both Hallström and Gad on Twitter, so I think it's safe to post it here for everyone to see. (Damn, I hope Jim will soon put out a quote option, ha)

"Josh Gad, who voices a dog in the film, issued his own statement via Twitter where he said; "As a proud dog owner and a fervent supporter of organizations like PETA," the 35-year-old actor said, "I have reached out to the production team and studio to ask for an explanation."

The film's director, Lasse Hallström, was equally appalled.

"I am very disturbed by the video released today from the set of my film A Dog's Purpose," he tweeted. "I did not witness these actions. We were all committed to providing a loving and safe environment for all the animals in the film. I have been promised that a thorough investigation into this situation is underway and that any wrongdoing will be reported and punished.

Six hours later, Hallström returned to Twitter to reiterate his earlier comments. "I have been a lifelong animal lover and A Dog's Purpose is my third film about dogs," the director, 70, tweeted. "The animals' safety was of utmost priority for both myself and everyone on the set."

http://www.eonline.com/news/823122/a-dog-s-purpose-josh-gad-and-lasse-hallstrom-shaken-over-animal-mistreatment

I've always been a lover of animals whatever that might be, but I truly don't get the people spreading rumours like this, I simply don't. There are - of course - a LOT of animals around the world which are harmed every second, but this... this is like you say, someone with an agenda and the rest is jumping on the bandwagon without even asking if it's possible, or correct in any way. It's sad and a shame that the film is damaged by this, it really is... 😞

[–] CoriSCapnSkip (2170) 8 years ago

My friend and I are devoted to animals and we loved the film. She cried practically the whole way through it. I would also like to read the book.

[–] beja (35) 8 years ago

I've also thought about the book, and I'm sure I will love the film too. And I'll pile up with a bunch of napkins when watching... 😉