By Chlotrudis Independent Film Society
Rating: 3.8 cats
Director: Ana Katz
Starring: Carlos Portaluppi | Daniel Katz | Julieta Zylberberg | Mirella Pascual | Raquel Bank | Valeria Lois
Original language title: El perro que no calla
Country: argentina
Year: 2022
Running time: 73
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt13648184/reference
Chris says: “This strange, beguiling tale directly references its title in the first scene as Sebastian (Daniel Katz) is politely confronted by an accumulation of neighbors about his disruptive pooch. From there, however, it continually leaps in time, often from scene to scene, following Sebastian as he finds a new job, visits his mother, starts a family and, um, endures a global pandemic similar to but also vastly different from the current one.
“Shot in artful black-and-white and enhanced by a lovely score and occasional chalk-drawing animation, THE DOG WHO WOULDN’T BE QUIET is purposely disorienting but still satisfying, provided one isn’t expecting a straightforward narrative. Previously unfamiliar with Argentinian filmmaker Ana Katz (Daniel’s sister), I definitely want to see more of her work. 4 cats
“(Screened at IFFBoston 2021.)”
Michael responds: “Great summary, Chris. I really loved this film. I was quite taken by Daniel Katz’s performance, how he managed to be so passive, yet so compelling at the same time.
“I also found the twist of the global pandemic fascinating, and how it played into issues of class, which actually threaded through the entire film.
“There’s a deadpan, absurdity to the humor that reminded me of some of Almodóvar’s early work. In a scene where Sebastian’s boss is telling him he can no longer bring his dog to work, she says something to the effect of, that behavior ultimately leading to ‘an office full of hens and everyone pole-dancing.’ That kind of absurd remark is prevalent. I give it 4.5 cats
(Screened at IFFBoston2021)”
Diane says: “Agreed on the absurdity (some hilarious dialogue–surely a lot of it is improvised?) and a fine score. Also a stunning (and fleeting) depiction of emotional pain. Director Ana Katz refers to ‘the demands of work and the cruel daily routines of a human being’s life.’ 3 cats”