CineTV Contest: Can You Win against The Power of the Dog?

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Hello, Cine TV community and Hive!

This is the first time I am joining a contest in this community. When I read about the announcement, two movies came to mind. I have not seen that many western movies, but last year, I watched two– Nope and The Power of the Dog. They both have their magic, but for this review, I am choosing the latter because it caused a deeper touch to both my heart and mind.

The Power of the Dog is a Western Psychological Drama movie directed by Jane Campion and released in 2021. The setting was 1925. Phil and George Burbank are brothers who run a ranch in Montana. Phil is well-respected as a rancher (even feared). He possesses dominance over the other cowboys in the area. He has the greatest regard toward Bronco Henry, the man who taught them how to live through ranching. On the other hand, George does not have charisma like Phil's, and the cowboys disregard him. Despite the difference, the brothers are both inflicted by terrible loneliness. To Phil, George is his only companion in this loneliness. But when George finds a woman, Rose, and marries her, Phil torments the lady. He even tries to befriend Peter, Rose’s son, and turn him against his mother. In the process, he found a companion in Peter, but that is when things take an unexpected turn.

What I think about the Movie

First of all, let me commend Benedict Cumberbatch for his performance as the complex character of Phil Burbank. Honestly, I have not or I do not remember him in other movies except Doctor Strange in the Marvel Universe. His performance in The Power of the Dog gave me a fresh look at his talent as an actor. He successfully gave life to Phil, his fears, his desires, and his secrets. The subtle changes in his expressions and the obvious display of some emotions effectively reflect the character and his struggle with what and what not to show.

A particular scene from a movie is engraved in my memory. It is when Phil comes to his "secret place" and finally the audience discovers a Phil that is hidden. There were no words during the scene, but the silent display of desire supplemented by masterful camera angles and lighting comes screaming to the audience, explaining so much of Phil’s character and motivations. It reminds me of the part of ourselves that we are afraid to show to people. Who are we when we are alone?

Another thing that I love about the film is the beautiful shots of the place. This is the first time I appreciated the beauty of a western movie set. The golden hills in the background always leave me in awe. Somehow, when the scenery is displayed, there is this aching feeling of loneliness hanging around it. Beautiful but lonely, just like the character Phil. I confirm this when Phil is fixed at the hills, looking at something others cannot see. He also refuses to tell others what is it that he sees there, a display of his dominance or his being special. Nobody can relate to seeing that something except Bronco Henry. Unfortunately, Bronco is dead, so Phil is left alone staring at this vision on the hills. That is why when Phil knew Peter could see what he sees on the hill, something welled up inside of him. Perhaps it is the possibility of being rescued from loneliness.

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What most interested me is the part when Peter tells Phil that his father was afraid Peter is not kind enough and just too strong. Phil gives a mocking laugh saying his father was wrong. This scene shows the contrast between Phil's and Peter’s views about strength. To Phil, the measure of a man’s strength is his unquestionable masculinity – manly physique, manly job, manly getup. Peter does not have those. As Phil sees it, Peter is soft. He and the other cowboys even called Peter Little Nancy. Peter does not fight Phil's disagreement with his father. Maybe he finds it futile to counter Phil's ego, or maybe he stays silent to cover something else.

Overall, the movie is great and it offers lessons that are undeniably universal and timeless. The lesson that stuck with me the most is that there is danger in not being who we truly are. Society and other external expectations are the most common reasons we hide a big part of our identity just to be accepted, loved, or feared. This action disconnects us from our truest emotions and feelings and ultimately disconnects us from people.

In the movie, Phil keeps something in him submerged deep never to float to the surface. He has restricted himself and resolves to dwell in loneliness to survive. In doing so, he gets angry and jealous of the other characters because they choose to do something he cannot. They choose their freedom. He is jealous of George because he can openly love Rose. He is jealous of Peter because he is not punished for showing his femininity. Deep down maybe he cannot stand Rose because she is a parent he wished he had- supportive, loving, and accepting. More simply, a bad relationship with oneself could lead to destructive relationships with others.

When I finished watching the movie, I took my time to think why was it titled The Power of the Dog. In the last part of the movie, Peter reads a verse in the Bible saying

Deliver my soul from the sword; My darling from the power of the dog.

I want to talk more about this, but I would like you to have more room for your interpretation. I am afraid I might also fail at stopping myself from spoiling the ending if I supply more of my thoughts.

Instead, let me end this review by inviting you to watch The Power of the Dog. It is not the western movie I was expecting. It is beyond my expectations. If you want to give it a try, you can find it on Netflix.

Thanks for reading and happy viewing!