Year of the Dog

Most Americans have, at one time or another had a pet. Homes often include family members that are dogs, cats and birds. Yes, family members. A lot of people feel that the family pet is actually part of the family. Billions are spent each year on pet supplies, health care, pet recreation and even pet clothing. A lot of people bond emotionally with their pets, something I have to admit I have personally done many times in my life. Our pets are dependant on us for almost everything and in return provide one of the purest sources of unconditional love possible. Mike White’s ‘Year of the Dog’ is a film that looks one woman’s devotion to her dog and the emotional upheaval that ensues when her beloved companion suddenly dies. There is a great deal of heart in this film. Those who have never shared their home with an animal may look at this movie and use it as validation that pet owners are over the top with their affection. For those who have had pets this is a tender, heartfelt look at just how our pets affect our lives. This film is not for those that want the cheap, fast laugh. It is a sophisticated comedy/drama that tugs at the emotions like a puppy on a new leash. Even though the protagonist is just a tad overly invested emotionally in her dog there is honesty to this film. It doesn’t make fun of a person at the expense of their feelings. The humor comes from the audience being able to identify with the universal feeling of loss.

Peggy (Molly Shannon) is a woman in her early forties who most would describe as cheerful. At her job as an administrative assistant her co-workers all seem to genuinely enjoy having her around. Since Peggy is single with little to no social life her world revolves around her beloved pet beagle, Pencil. One night he is reluctant to perform his evening ablutions Peggy groggily allows Pencil to spend the night outside. The next morning she awakens and goes outside only to hear painful whimpering. Peggy looks around and discovers Pencil in the yard of her neighbor, Al (John C. Reilly). She rushes her dog to the vet but unfortunately, it is too late and Pencil succumbs to poisoning. Peggy is devastated but her grief is not fully shared or understood by her friends and family. Her co-worker Layla (Regina King) is focused on finding a husband and tells Peggy that over devotion to Pencil was the reason why she is without a mate. When she turns to her family there is not much support to be had. Her brother, Pier (Thomas McCarthy) is not there for Peggy and his wife, Bret (Laura Dern) is colder than the depths of space. In a bit of a surprise Al asks Peggy out on a date to help her out of her funky. Al tells her that he lost a dog in a hunting accident some time back. When he takes her back to home and tries to impress Peggy with his animal trophies and collection of weapons she is immediately turned off. To make things worse he makes a pass at Peggy which is refused.

Peggy receives a call from a worker at the SPCA, Newt (Peter Sarsgaard). He has a troubled dog in need of a home, Valentine, a German Shepard. She agrees and Newt offers to help her get to know and train the dog. As a result they two begin to spend a lot of time together. Peggy begins to pull herself out of her shell. Newt’s influence starts to take hold of Peggy. She begins to become involved with several animal rights groups including one that saves pets from being put down by getting them adopted. Peggy starts to go after her co-workers to adopt pets much to the annoyance of her boss, Robin (Josh Pais). Newt also introduces Peggy to the Vegan life style which she tries to embrace. At one point she also tries to embrace Newt. They share a brief kiss but before things can go any farther Newt announces that he is celibate. Cut off from a human focus for her love she dumps Newt and concentrates her affections on Valentine. Things begin to go wrong for Peggy in the human world. Her boss confronts her about checks she wrote from his account to animal charities and fires her. Valentine is put to sleep when he bites another dog. Peggy responds by adopting 15 dogs slated for euthanasia. She retreats into depression rarely leaving her home. She does go out occasionally and on one such time Newt stops by and has her dogs removed from her home. Peggy throws herself completely into animal rescue, protesting animal testing and various other charities. In the end Peggy has to decide between the human and animal worlds.

Those in the audience that actually pays attention to the credits for television and film the name Mike White will be very familiar. He is well known as one of the smartest screen writers around today. He has penned such gems as the short lived quality television series, ‘Freaks and Geeks’ as well as films like ‘The Good Girl’ and ‘School of Rock’. His writing is humorous on a human, visceral level. Here, White not only wrote the screenplay this is his freshmen opus as the director. He could have very easily played this story completely for cheap laughs. Instead White takes the high role and fully fleshes out his character of Peggy. He paces the film with great control. White doesn’t try to force the audience to understand Peggy; he gives us the time to get to know her.

Molly Shannon is best known for her crazy characters on Saturday Night Live, especially the over the top Catholic school girl, Mary Katherine Gallagher. Lately Shannon has been taking on roles that allow her to expand her repertoire as an actress. In this film she gives Peggy depth. Sure, her character is on the fringe of what is considered normal pet owner behavior, but Shannon plays her realistically. The audience is allowed to care about this character. Even if you don’t see life through her eyes you can understand where she is coming from. Shannon is better here than any of her previous work would have indicated. It is great to see just how talented an actress she is. Peter Sarsgaard is the perfect counterpoint to Shannon. He almost underplays his role. As a man devoted to animals to the point of adopting Veganism and celibacy he gives us Newt as a man dedicated but also unable to deal with human relationships.

Paramount Home Entertainment releases this film to DVD with the consideration it deserves. While many of their releases are the big budget blockbusters they do give little Indy films like this a chance to be enjoyed. The video is a clear, anamorphic 1.85:1 transfer. The color palette is hearty and true to life. The Dolby 5.1 audio is robust and full. While the sub woofer doesn’t get a lot of use the channel separation is very good and the dialogue comes out clearly. Included are a few interesting extras for your enjoyment. The audio commentary by Molly Shannon and Mike White is fun to listen to. Both are articulate and offer some humorous stories about the production. There is the required making of featurette which is pretty run of the mill. There is an extra called ‘Being Molly Shannon’ which provides a little peak at the actress. Also included is ‘Mike White Unleashed’ which does the same for the writer-director. One of the most interesting extras is the Moviephone segment with Shannon and White. They interview each other about their involvement in the project. Around things out is a blooper reel, some out takes and a few deleted scenes. If you are a fan o9f Molly Shannon be prepared for something completely different but wonderfully done.

Posted 08/16/07