My darling from the power of the dog
Jake-gai (a type of impulse-buying triggered by the package design of an item) may be a nostalgic word for me. Growing up, if I found a cool 12-inch vinyl jacket, I would be inclined to listen to the music regardless of its quality. Then, when I hung the album cover on the wall of my room, it would make me happy. Also, when I would notice a large movie poster in the street or in a station, I would follow the image of the poster to the movie theater. For me, record shops and movie theaters were like treasure troves. I really loved them, so I often went to these places by myself. Inside were the same kind of people as me, making me feel like I was in my element.
Flashing forward to 2022, I enjoy those forms of entertainment at home now. The visual “incentives” that invite you to enjoy films and music don't exist anymore, and I feel that the film, TV, and music industries are really suffering today. The first minute has to directly appeal to audiences, who determine the success of the content. If the opening minute doesn't satisfy audiences, they abandon the content. What on earth can capture their interest? In my case, it is “my favorites”—this means that my favorite actors make me watch a film, and if the film is good, I further explore the work of its director, screenwriter, or music director. In my own business, I also yell in my mind, “please look at this!” but it would make me more than happy if you find your favorite artist first and further explore others.
Kirsten Dunst is my beloved actress. Her latest film The Power of the Dog (2021) was sensational and astonishing.It depicts the lives of people in a mountainous area of Montana in 1925 and their complicated relationships.
Exterior images: Dry sun, the grandeur of mountain ranges, men and herds of cattle evoking the smells of soil, the sweaty and sturdy hands of men, the glare of running water, and the manes of horses fluttering in backlight—the sensual texture of light captures these elements delicately.
Interior images: Extremely subtle light and shadow, mountain ranges seen through dim light and windows, peculiarly watery and huge eyes and an unstable, standing white body, doors between each room implying suppression and secrets as they open and close, pieces of taxidermy that suggest stagnant air, bookshelves arranged lethargically, and meaningless piano.
With a neurotic rhythm and in a harmonious and well-balanced manner, the film depicts “the discord” of the era, such as different social-class issues; community; racial, sexual, or personal orientations that are difficult to harmonize with one another; conflict; discouragement; and grudges. The filmmaker keeps a certain distance between the film and the audience. It is this distance that provokes the audience’s thoughts and expands their consciousness after watching it. This makes them want to watch it again and again to dig deep and find the truths.
The title is a quote from the Old Testament:
“Deliver my soul from the sword; my darling from the power of the dog.”” (Psalm 22）
I find it a little hard to understand what this implies. Does it mean, “Please release me from the evil (the power of the dog) that torments me?” Where does the power of the dog come from, and who does my darling represent? It can be interpreted in several ways. The power of the dog comes through discord, and the dog might be me or you.
