The Power of the Dog

'When my father passed, I wanted nothing more than my mother’s happiness. For what kind of man would I be if I did not help my mother? If I did not save her.' Jane Campion’s glacially paced western The Power Of The Dog recently had is streaming premiere on Netflix after a small theatrical run. Based on a 1967 novel of the same name by author Thomas Savage the movie tells the story of Widower Rose Gordon (played by Kirsten Dunst) and her lanky, awkward son Peter (portrayed by the lanky and awkward Kodi Smit-McPhee). One day brothers Phil and George Burbank (played by Cumberbatch and Plemons respectively) stop by Rose’s Inn for dinner after a long day’s work driving cattle, it is here the gentle and kind natured George begins to fall for the damaged Rose much to the chagrin of the thoroughly unpleasant Phil. What follows is a slow and menacing escalation of tension as Rose and Peter are subjected to Phil’s tempestuous nature. Seemingly destroying everything it is wake. Origami, animal castration, piano recitals, alcoholism and unwashed denim all set against the bleak, desolate and beautiful 1920’s Montana skyline. Join Eric and myself as we talk westerns, banjo’s and good old fashioned misguided masculinity. Thanks for tuning in, please enjoy the show.