The Dogwalker

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

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.

In the true spirit of independent film-making, writer/director Jacques Thelemaque and his wife/ partner, gifted actress Diane Gaidry, create a sensitive yet powerful film that is reminiscent of Cassavetes and Rowland collaborations in the past. The late Pamela Gordon also gives a stellar performance, as together this team puts a very truthful portrayal, a slice of real life up on the screen. Dogwalker is a touching story about healing old wounds and finding new friendship, love and hope in rebuilding one's life. Thelemaque directs with a master's touch, and his style reminds me of the best offerings from John Sayles. The fact that both Thelemaque & Gaidry are co-founders of Filmmakers Alliance in Los Angeles, and that that very community contributed immensely to making the film, sets them apart in the independent world as leaders who put their money where their heart is, and deliver the goods when they themselves are out in the field. To not see this accomplishment of theirs is to doubt the very foundation of independent film-making. And if you're a filmmaker, see this film and celebrate in their triumph, so you can be inspired by what's possible and aim high in your own aspirations.

Jaques Thelemaque and Diane Gaidry are a husband and wife team that are finding their voice as filmmakers through this story of Ellie, a quiet, lost woman who is searching for her path in life. In this, their first feature, they achieve storytelling of a much more mature level than most first features. How wonderful to explore the hope that animals provide us; we so often take that for granted. Pamela Gordon gives a wonderful, gritty performance. No nonsense with her. Such a loss when she passed away in real life. Go see this film, and watch for future films by Jacques Thelemaque. Look up Diane Gaidry. She's been in countless films recently as an actress, and recently won an award!

This is a film that reminds us that what films are supposed to be about - compelling stories and characters. It didn't have a massive budget or a huge production. Certainly it could have been more 'polished' by Hollywood standards. But is that the point? Or is it the point that you go in and you forget about your own life for a couple of hours and get pulled into the lives of these two women? If it's the latter, then this film succeeds beautifully.

Fine performances from both human and canine and subtle, even-handed work from both the director and director of photography.

Please, go see this film. Not just to support independent cinema, but because you'll probably like it.