The Dogwalker

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.

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

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!

Simply, a beautiful film. Moody, affecting, character-driven. No, it is not aesthetically or narratively ground-breaking, but it's not about that. It's about subtle moments and nuanced observations. It's about a clear directorial vision unafraid to look into humdrum lives and give them attention and meaning in a skillful, moving way. There's plenty of metaphor and layered subtext, but there is also a very elegant, melancholic simplicity. Refreshing.

P.S. I just tried to send this comment and it is telling me I need to write ten lines. Geez, I think the film is great, but I wasn't planning on writing a novel about it. I guess IMDb gets a lot of suspicious activity - between this little tool and the secret ratings curve, it's tough for the little guy to have an impact on this site. I admire their desire to keep the site from being abused, but without real humans to whom you can discuss issues or appeal the ratings or anything else, it winds up creating a headache for indie filmmakers. Too bad.

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.