imperfection is perfection
Sporadic film reviews by a wanna-be filmmaker
ISLE OF DOGS [2018]
Wes Anderson has a unique ability to create fictional universes, an alteration of our society, and his most recent output is certainly no exception. Based in Tokyo, the film amusingly introduces us to a world where dogs roamed wild, then were tamed as pets, and then ostracised from society as outbreaks like the Dog Flu emerge. The worship of cats in society cements the final decision to send all dogs to Trash Island, forming the basis for the story. Already, this amusing and funny world is established.
Unsurprisingly, the stop-motion animation looks amazing, and using this medium enables the choice to often have the dogs looking directly at the audience – a usual no-no in film. It gives the film a further odd atmosphere, as does Desplat’s incredible Japanese-influenced score. When working with Anderson, Desplat seems to depart from his usual style to create something truly different. The Grand Budapest Hotel is another example of this departure.
The film’s story is both sad and funny, the voice-acting is on point, and some parts of Japanese dialogue not being subtitled is an interesting choice, though for the most part we get comical translations. The use of old technology, such as old computers, in a modern looking society yet again creates an individual, fictional society.
The story is basic, and it resulted in me wanting to go home and hug my dog for thirty minutes. It is an interesting look into how we treat our pets, without anything preachy or obvious. It is a message for us to look into how we treat our pets, how we have tamed them to be subservient to us, all surrounded by an amazing looking universe that only Wes Anderson could create. A near flawless film by one of the best American directors working today.
13 Comments on “ISLE OF DOGS [2018]”
Leave a Reply
CONTRIBUTIONS TO CINEMAAXIS
LAMB #1758
Blogs I Follow
imperfection is perfection 
I watched it yesterday. Visually stunning. The plot was tame and the ending was weak for me, but I ♥ Anderson and enjoyed it a lot!
LikeLiked by 1 person
The ending was the weakest part of the film, I agree. But I love Wes too, and I loved the plot, it really made me think about pets and how we treat them. Perhaps I should have given it a 5 but I walked out so happy and satisfied that I don’t care!! 😛
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love,dogs and you were touched! A six pack is in order…
LikeLiked by 1 person
hehehe 😀 plus I love Wes too
LikeLike
Nice review Jordan. I liked Isle of Dogs too, though not as much as you. Wes Anderson is always great at creating new worlds and IoD looks spectacular, plus the vo is great too. But I think the film’s cultural appropriation and usage of the white savior trope is offensive; I don’t think Wes Anderson intended to do that, but still.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Not sure what you mean by that last part mate
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s what happens when you write a comment on your phone during the middle of the night…
What I meant was I’m not sure if Wes Anderson consciously knew he used the white savior trope; he probably thought making Tracy the leader of the rebellion would be easier for audiences to connect to since most of the Japanese characters don’t receive subtitles. Still, I don’t think it comes off too well, but IoD is still a great little film.
LikeLiked by 1 person
oh got the jist of it then. Can’t help buit think shit like that is over-thought if I’m honest. Yeah I am a white male but that thought didn’t even occur to me. IMO political correctness has gone fucking overboard!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great post 🙂 I loved Isle of Dogs as well. I too am a huge Wes Anderson fan. It really does make you think more about your pets than you usually do and I mean that in a positive way. Anyway, keep up the great work as always 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Indeed. I appreciated my dog so much more after seeing this!! I kicked him off my bed years ago but after this I just felt I needed to let him sleep next to me! I love him so much and he loves to snuggle up next to me when I sleep =)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh how sweet 🙂
LikeLike
My dog is my son. If I’m strapped for cash for whatever reason, he eats before I do =]
LikeLiked by 1 person
Pingback: THE BEST AND THE REST OF 2018 | the epileptic moondancer