The Dogwalker

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.

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.

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.

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.