Isle of Dogs. The latest film by Wes Anderson.
I have been hanging out for this film.
I saw it, yesterday.
I was disappointed.
I could not put my finger on it, but I felt that I had missed something.
So I did the only sensible thing in current circumstances.
I saw it again today.
And I realised what I had missed. This film is dense. I mean, really dense. The trailer is a cracker, it really is:
Except that it does not do justice to how nuanced and deep Isle of Dogs is. Watching it the second time, I realised it was not the upbeat comedy it at first appears. It's a great film - I will need to see it a third time, just to soak in a portion of the detail that is there.
So, my advice? See it. Please.
I once read an article in The New Yorker by Anthony Lane, one of their resident film reviewers. He characterised films as either 6pm films or 9pm films. A 9pm film is one where you watch it and it's instantly forgettable - think of any Michael Bay film. A 6pm film is one where you go to supper later with friends and talk about it.
Isle of Dogs is definitely a 6pm film.
6
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7 comments
Feel free to reply to any comment by clicking the "Reply" button.I heard it was very bleak and if you love dogs don't see it, maybe that was bad advice? Lol! I'll check it out.
CaroleKay
Level 8
Apr 15, 2018
1
It was not bleak, in my opinion. Despite the comedic aspects, quite subdued. Yes, definitely check it out.
I have needed multiple viewings to absord most Wes Anderson films. And what a treat once it clicks. Unfortunately, I can't see current movies right now, but I'll put it on the list for home viewing later! Thanks for the review.
BAMFHufflepuff
Level 5
Apr 13, 2018
3
I am going this weekend. I’ve also been eagerly waiting for it. Should I see it twice in a row just in case? I don’t want to feel disappointed.
I pick up Fantastic Mr Fox from the library every few months. It isn’t an intentional pattern. I just get the itch to see it again. It pops in my head and then boom! Like rediscovering a favorite song you haven’t heard in years; almost wouldn’t be the same if I owned a copy.
Now I am anticipating a gem. Thanks for sharing!
vcg1234
Level 7
Apr 13, 2018
2
I look forward to your thoughts!
And, yeah, Fantastic Mr Fox is great. In my current Wes Anderson binge, I need to see it back to back with Isle of Dogs.
Oh, the disappointment thing. That was probably just me. But I continue to think Isle of Dogs is a dense film; two viewings at a minimum. Both to properly get the story (a lot of flashbacks) and the sheer level of detail involved. Also, because this is a Wes Anderson gig, it's an ensemble performance - but Bryan Cranston grounds the film. He brings the Walter White to the character of Chief. It verges on Shakespearean.
@Palindromeman I have completed first viewing. 
I enjoyed the different forms of humor, the story, visuals and the expanded diversity in characters thanks in part to such recognizable voices. Bryan Cranston was terrific as a lead but my favorites were Harvey Keitel and Jeff Goldblum. Some scenes reminded me of Wall*E and The Grand Budapest Hotel. I will go see again so I can discover any gems I missed the first time as well as pick up more on the meaning and messaging (I’m staying as vague as possible so not to give anything away). The first scene when Atari arrives on the isle was my absolute favorite visually. Another title I will come back to over and over every few months just to marvel at the creative genius of Wes Anderson.
@LaMariposa Cool (I have just booked my third viewing tomorrow night).
Whilst it is an ensemble performance, I think Cranston carries it. Both in terms of Chief's journey and the fact that I just could not stop hearing Walter White growling 
Yes to Keitel and the Blum, and I think Ed Norton really did a great job. As did Bill Murray - naturally.
Isle of Dogs is such a consummate Wes Anderson film - the visuals are so him.
I also love the fact that the Japanese characters spoke Japanese - without subtitles. I had no idea what they were saying. And yet I did, intuitively. Except, of course, when Atari calls "mayday, mayday".
And the litter sequence with Peppermint - I admit I got misty. It must have been something in my eye.
@Palindromeman A great film indeed! Thanks for conversing with me about it!
@LaMariposa And speaking of Cranston, you must check out Last Flag Flying. He is brilliant in that.
I saw it Tuesday. I liked it. As with all Wes Anderson films I will probably love it upon further viewings. This man makes art.
indirect76
Level 7
Apr 13, 2018
2
Reminds me of Dean Spanley...so much nuance that you can't stop at just one. I WILL see this but I'm on some other time zone...the it'sfinallyallaboutme time zone. I will let you know when I do. It really looks fantastic and my artist friend was totally geeked on Wes Anderson.
crazycurlz
Level 7
Apr 13, 2018
2
Thank you for this critque I look forward to watching it on satelite.
HeathenFarmer
Level 8
Apr 13, 2018
1
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