Introduction: "Life with Dog" Movie Overview

"Life with Dog" is a 2018 American drama film directed by Corbin Bernsen. The movie tells the story of Joe Bigler, a man who has lost his wife and is struggling to cope with his grief. He finds comfort in a stray dog that he adopts and names “Duke.” The film explores the relationship between Joe and Duke and how their companionship helps Joe heal and move on.

Plot Summary: What Happens in "Life with Dog"

The movie follows Joe and Duke’s life together as they navigate their way through Joe’s grief. Duke is a central character in the film, and the audience sees him as Joe’s constant companion and loyal friend. As the film progresses, it becomes clear that Duke is an aging dog, and his health begins to decline. In one scene, Duke collapses, and Joe rushes him to the veterinarian. Unfortunately, the vet informs Joe that Duke has a tumor and only has a few weeks left to live.

Character Analysis: The Role of the Dog in the Movie

Duke’s role in the movie is significant. He is not just a pet; he is a symbol of hope and comfort for Joe. Duke is Joe’s constant companion and helps him deal with the loss of his wife. The film portrays Joe as a lonely and isolated character, and Duke fills the void in his life. The audience can see that Joe’s love for Duke is unconditional, and he would do anything to help him. Duke’s death is a significant loss for Joe, and it is evident that he is devastated by it.

The Dog’s Health: Clues to What Will Happen

The film provides various clues that Duke’s health is deteriorating. The audience can see that Duke is an aging dog, and his mobility is limited. He struggles to climb stairs and is often seen resting. There are also scenes where Duke is coughing, which hints at an underlying health issue. These clues suggest that Duke’s health is not good, and he may not survive.

Warning Signs: Foreshadowing the Dog’s Fate

The warning signs that Duke’s health is declining are evident throughout the movie. As mentioned earlier, Duke is seen coughing and struggling to move around. There is also a scene where Joe takes Duke to the vet, and the news of Duke’s tumor is revealed. The audience can see that Duke’s fate is sealed, and his death is imminent.

Emotional Impact: How the Dog’s Death Affects the Movie

Duke’s death is a significant event in the movie. The audience has grown attached to Duke, and his death is an emotional moment. The film portrays Joe’s grief in a realistic and moving way, and the audience can feel his pain. Duke’s death emphasizes the bond between Joe and Duke and shows how much Duke meant to him. The emotional impact of Duke’s death is what makes the film memorable.

Controversy: Viewer Reactions to the Dog’s Death

The dog’s death in the movie was controversial, and many viewers were upset by it. Some people felt that the film was manipulative and used the dog’s death to evoke an emotional response from the audience. Others argued that the film was realistic and showed the harsh reality of owning a pet. The controversy surrounding Duke’s death shows how much people care about animals and how much they can impact us emotionally.

Director’s Perspective: Why the Dog’s Death Was Necessary

Corbin Bernsen, the director of the film, defended the decision to have Duke die in the movie. He argued that it was necessary to show the reality of owning a pet and the bond between Joe and Duke. The director also stated that the death was not gratuitous and that it was an essential part of the film’s story.

Alternative Endings: Could the Dog Have Survived?

Some viewers felt that Duke’s death was unnecessary and that the film could have had a happy ending. However, the director argued that a happy ending would have been unrealistic and that Duke’s death was an essential part of the film’s story. It is unclear if an alternative ending was ever considered.

Behind the Scenes: How the Death Scene Was Filmed

The death scene was filmed using a combination of real and fake dogs. The real dog was trained to lie still, and the fake dog was used for the more graphic scenes. The director stated that the scene was challenging to film and that everyone on set was emotional during filming.

Animal Welfare: Was the Dog Treated Humanely During Filming?

The American Humane Society monitored the filming of the movie, and they certified that the animals were treated humanely. The dog used in the film was a trained and experienced animal actor, and he was well looked after during filming.

Conclusion: Our Verdict on the Dog’s Fate in "Life with Dog"

In conclusion, Duke’s death was a significant part of the film’s story, and it showed the harsh reality of owning a pet. The film was successful in portraying the bond between Joe and Duke and how much Duke meant to him. The director’s decision to have Duke die was controversial, but it was necessary to tell the story. Overall, the film was an emotional and moving story that highlighted the importance of our relationships with our pets.