Mary Allen
Introduction: The Dog’s Purpose
"A Dog’s Purpose" is a 2017 American comedy-drama film directed by Lasse Hallström and starring Dennis Quaid, Peggy Lipton, and Josh Gad as the voice of the titular dog, Bailey. The film follows the story of a dog named Bailey who is reincarnated multiple times, discovering his purpose in life and forming deep bonds with different owners along the way. The film was based on the novel of the same name by W. Bruce Cameron and became a box office success, grossing $205.5 million worldwide.
Dog Movies: A Brief History
The use of dogs in cinema can be traced back to the early days of film in the late 19th century, with short films featuring trained dogs performing tricks. However, it wasn’t until the 1950s that dog movies began to gain popularity with films like "Lassie Come Home" and "Old Yeller". These movies explored the bond between humans and dogs and often had a sentimental and heartwarming tone. In the 1970s and 80s, dog movies became more family-oriented with films like "Benji" and "The Fox and the Hound".
What Makes A Dog Movie?
A dog movie is a film that prominently features a dog or dogs as a central character. These movies often explore the relationship between humans and dogs and the emotional bonds that can form between them. They can be of any genre, including drama, comedy, and action, as long as the dog plays a significant role in the story. Dog movies can also be used to bring attention to important issues such as animal welfare and adoption.
A Dog’s Purpose: Plot and Reception
"A Dog’s Purpose" tells the story of Bailey, a dog who is reincarnated multiple times and discovers his purpose in life through his relationships with different owners. The film received mixed reviews from critics, with some praising its heartwarming tone and portrayal of the human-dog bond, while others criticized its sentimentality and use of CGI to depict the dogs’ thoughts. The film also faced controversy over allegations of animal abuse on set, which the filmmakers denied.
Similarities with Other Dog Movies
Many dog movies share common themes and motifs, such as the loyalty and devotion of dogs, the importance of the human-dog bond, and the emotional impact of losing a beloved pet. "A Dog’s Purpose" shares similarities with other dog movies such as "Marley & Me" and "Hachi: A Dog’s Tale", which also explore the emotional bonds between dogs and their owners.
The Role of Dogs in Cinema
Dogs have played a significant role in cinema since its inception, serving as loyal companions, protectors, and helpers to human characters. Dogs have also been used to symbolize certain themes and ideas, such as loyalty, devotion, and the struggle to survive. Dogs have been portrayed in a variety of ways in film, from realistic depictions of working dogs to anthropomorphized characters with human-like qualities.
The Human-Dog Bond on Screen
The bond between humans and dogs has been a popular theme in cinema, with many films exploring the emotional connection that can develop between a person and their pet. These movies often depict dogs as faithful companions who provide comfort, support, and love to their owners. The portrayal of the human-dog bond on screen can be both heartwarming and emotional, and has resonated with audiences of all ages.
The Ethics of Using Dogs in Film
The use of animals in film has long been a controversial issue, with concerns about animal welfare and safety on set. In the case of "A Dog’s Purpose", the film faced allegations of animal abuse during the filming of a scene involving a dog in water. While the filmmakers denied any wrongdoing, the incident sparked a debate about the ethics of using animals in film and the need for better regulations and oversight.
A Dog’s Purpose: Controversy and Reaction
The controversy surrounding "A Dog’s Purpose" had a significant impact on the film’s release, with some theaters refusing to show the movie and many animal welfare organizations calling for a boycott. Despite the controversy, the film was still a box office success and received mixed but generally positive reviews from audiences.
Other Recent Dog Movies
In recent years, there have been several other notable dog movies, including "Max" (2015), "A Dog’s Journey" (2019), and "The Art of Racing in the Rain" (2019). These movies explore similar themes as "A Dog’s Purpose" and have also been well-received by audiences.
Conclusion: A New Era for Dog Movies?
"A Dog’s Purpose" and other recent dog movies suggest that the genre is as popular as ever and continues to resonate with audiences. However, the controversy surrounding the film also highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability in the use of animals in film. As long as these issues are addressed, dog movies are likely to remain a beloved and enduring genre in cinema.
References and Further Reading
- "A Dog’s Purpose" (2017) – IMDb
- "The Role of Dogs in Film" – American Kennel Club
- "The Ethics of Using Animals in Film and Television" – The Conversation
- "A Dog’s Purpose" Controversy: What We Know and What We Don’t" – Vox
- "The Best Dog Movies of All Time" – Rotten Tomatoes