The Dogwalker

Saw it last night and loved it. It was very simple with interesting characters, and it had a wonderful message about healing broken pasts. Great- even if you don't love dogs! So many times in film like this, it seems people over act. But Gordon and Gaidry are subtle with depth. Beautiful shots of LA and even a bit of ironic humor. I loved this film.

They had a Q&A at the screening I went to last night, it seemed like the entire audience really enjoyed it. The director, Jacques Thelemacque, and the actress, Diane Gaidry were both there. They were so very warm in person. Although the amount of love put into the film was obvious from the beginning, it was even more so after hearing them speak. I look forward to seeing more of their work!

I saw this at the Santa Fe Film Festival while volunteering, and I'm really glad I stayed and watched it! I really like the idea of dark, tarnished characters and Diane Gaidry's portrayal of a women trying to leave her past behind and start fresh was very compelling. She does find redemption in a very non-trivial way

This is independent cinema at its best. The film follows a young woman who escapes her abusive boyfriend to find herself mugged, money less, and homeless, in LA. She wakes up in a dog park and is befriended by an older woman with a sketchy past. That begins the young woman's journey to find herself and the strength to stand up and face her fears. Jacques Thelemaque directs with a meditative simplicity that is hypnotic. This film is not only for dog owners, but anyone who is searching for something. Minus the car chases, and the typical Hollywood style sensationalism, this is a character driven story with a simplicity that reaches far beyond what's on the surface. The universe has a message for all of us, all we have to do is pay attention.

I looked at the ratings system and don't understand what kind of secret formula IMDb uses that works to the detriment of this film. Based on how people have rated it, it should be a much higher score.

I say this because I just saw the film and thought it was amazing! Saw it at a benefit screening in Santa Monica. I've never used IMDb before and the filmmaker, who was at the screening, asked us to post something here if we liked the film. So, I am. But also read the other comments/ratings.

Anyway, I also read a bad review in the L.A. Times that was totally hostile and completely at odds with what I, and my fellow audience members, saw. Everyone I talked to loved the film and felt it was rich, complex and deeply affecting. The review was shallow and pointless. Ignore it - and others like it - and see this film for yourself. If you do hate it, too, don't be afraid to say so here. But I'm betting most of you will feel just the opposite. I did, anyway.

Loved it. And I'm a lawyer who generally can find an argument against almost any movie. Simple, authentic, smart and very touching. Can't ask for more. Nonetheless, I just submitted this and they said I needed a minimum of ten lines. So, I'll say that the acting is marvelous. Saw here on IMDB that the older actress, Pamela Gordon, died recently. That's sad. She was great. The younger one, Diane Gaidry, was great, too. Sorta has a young Melanie Griffith quality. Would love to see more stuff that she's in.

Don't normally write in for things like this, but saw the movie listed at another festival today and thought I should show my support to say thanks for a very enjoyable and profound hour and a half.