A Dog Named Gucci

"A Dog Named Gucci" left many in tears with its poignant story. But to the filmmaker's credit, it was far from manipulating. Director Gorman Bechard was also one that was more interested in an awareness campaign rather than taking the easy route of inflammatory cinema. The "Gucci Bill" changed the laws in Alabama turning animal cruelty into a felony, and starting a wondrous domino effect throughout the nation. Gucci was a ten week old puppy that was hung by its neck, beaten repeatedly and then set afire. Somehow this pup survived, and his savior and new owner, Doug James, fought not only for his life, but for all other animals in his state.

Where many could have focused on the cruelty and the perpetrator, Bechard chooses to highlight the fight against such viciousness, the happiness and companionship that blossoms, and the bureaucratic struggles to achieve what is right. It's a wonderful and beautiful testament to Gucci, his owner, and all other animals and the people that care for them. If all that was not enough, Bechard encourages us to stay through the entire credits delivering absorbing anecdotes, information on how to combat animal cruelty, and an absolutely compassionate song that makes one want to go out and purchase it immediately.

This review is taken in part from my article, "Highlights from the 15th Annual Phoenix Film Festival" at The Movie Guys.

A Dog Named Gucci was a STELLAR film. Contrary to what one may imagine it to be, it was not a movie just flooding you with sob stories of animal abuse, leaving you feeling angry and hopeless. This film did a fantastic job offering solutions, and depicting actions that have been taken by individual average citizens to make crucial improvements in animal cruelty legislation (or lack there of). This film reminds viewers why they should not ignore animal cruelty cases and feel hopeless, that they are not powerless, that they can make an imperative difference in the lives of suffering animals if they pay attention and do something. The film illustrates several things that people can choose to do, that are virtually effortless, and have proved to be the catalyst in creating laws to protect animals from suffering, torture, neglect and abuse nationwide. I hope people give this film a shot! It is ultimately very positive and inspiring!

Director Gorman Bechard found two appealing stars for his documentary film, "A Dog Named Gucci." First and foremost is Gucci, a charismatic chow mix who will steal your heart, as he does with almost everyone he meets. Doug James, who rescued Gucci from horrifying violence, is a gentle and persistent soul, who sees the need for change in the animal cruelty laws and does something about it. Doug and Gucci are inspirational, no matter what cause you are interested in. They show that ordinary people can get things done. The story of Gucci is augmented by the stories of dogs named Louis, Nitro and John,and the comments from prosecutors, other lawyers, humane societies, and veterinarians. The heartbreak of the cruelty to defenseless dogs is balanced out by the goodness of the people who care, although the "flip book" at the end of the film showing other dogs was hard to take, and occasionally I wanted fewer humane society people and more dogs. The high school student from NY is positively amazing though. I want to find out what she does as she gets older. The impact Gucci and Doug have on Gucci's first owner, a runaway teen, is heartwarming. See this very well made film.

This is a great movie about how a small group of people effected change in a difficult system. What could have been very tragic became a motivator and inspiration in the community that rallied behind Gucci, the state and its foot-dragging legislature and in cities and states far away. Plus,it's just a great story of a man and his dog. It was enlightening to see how people all over the country and all over the world took notice in 1994, when very few states made animal cruelty a felony and took it upon themselves to to change that, not with deep pockets and big organizations, but with a sweet dog and a personal touch. The movie will, in some ways, shock even hardened "animal rescuers" but overall it brings hope and joy and should inspire renewed determination for the next generation.

When recommending this to friends -- and some of these friends, mind you, are HORROR movie fanatics -- were to SCARED to see this film. "The thought of animal abuse is just to scary," they said.

And they are right. Animal abuse is scary.

But if you feel a pang in your heart at the thought of it, then you don't let fear deter you. This film is actually a beautiful exposure of many cases of animal abuse that will both, educate and enthrall you with it's overall message.

Gormon Bechard is known for his rock and music documentaries and I think he can add "A Dog Named Gucci" to that category. Gucci is a rock star in his own right. He gained notoriety in his community, had hordes of fans, was featured talk shows, newscasts, and even in book signings, and best of all -- he and his owner, Doug James, changed legislation in their state and sent ripple effects into our country and won the hearts of millions.

I am positive after this movie is over you will love Gucci too...just keep the tissues handy (you will both cry sad and happy tears).