The Dogwalker

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.

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.

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!

This is an amazing and touching film. You don't even have to be a dog lover to enjoy it! Although the title may lead you to think that it's merely a film about dogs, it's about so much more. This film explores an array of important issues such as cancer and domestic abuse powerfully, but without being preachy or heavy handed.

Jacques Thelemaque writes and directs with honesty and grace, and the performances by Diane Gaidry and Pamela Gordon are authentic and full of real human emotion, which seems to be missing from most independent films these days. This is the kind of independent film that deserves your support, go see it and I guarantee you will not be disappointed!