Dogman
Dogman

Movie spotlight

Dogman

2018
Movie
103 min
Italian

Marcello, a small and gentle dog groomer, finds himself involved in a dangerous relationship of subjugation with Simone, a former violent boxer who terrorizes the entire neighborhood. In an effort to reaffirm his dignity, Marcello will submit to an unexpected act of vengeance.

Insights

IMDb7.1/10
Rotten Tomatoes91%
Metacritic76/100
Google Users86%
Director: Matteo GarroneGenres: Crime, Drama, Thriller

Plot Summary

In a desolate, sun-baked Italian coastal town, a gentle dog groomer named Marcello lives a seemingly ordinary life. However, he becomes entangled in a dangerous criminal underworld orchestrated by a local thug. As his desperation grows and his moral compass wavers, Marcello finds himself pushed to the brink, leading to a shocking and unforgettable act of retribution.

Critical Reception

Matteo Garrone's 'Dogman' was widely acclaimed for its raw intensity and Marcello Fonte's masterful performance. Critics praised the film's unflinching portrayal of human cruelty and the devastating consequences of enabling it. It resonated with audiences for its powerful storytelling and its examination of a man pushed to his absolute limits by societal pressures and the actions of others.

What Reviewers Say

  • Marcello Fonte delivers a tour-de-force performance as a man caught between weakness and a desperate need for self-preservation.

  • The film is a stark and brutal examination of the consequences of unchecked aggression and societal decay.

  • Visually striking and emotionally devastating, 'Dogman' is a powerful, albeit bleak, character study.

Google audience: Audiences lauded the film's intense and compelling narrative, with many highlighting Marcello Fonte's unforgettable performance. Reviewers frequently pointed to the film's gritty realism and its exploration of dark human impulses as particularly impactful, though some found the subject matter overwhelmingly bleak.

Awards & Accolades

Marcello Fonte won the Best Actor award at the Cannes Film Festival. The film also received multiple awards and nominations at various international film festivals, including the European Film Awards.

Fun Fact

The film is loosely inspired by the true story of the 'Canaro murder case' which occurred in Rome in 1988, involving a dog groomer who, after enduring years of abuse and humiliation, brutally murdered his tormentor.

AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources

My Review

TMDB Reviews

2 reviews
CinemaSerf

CinemaSerf

Marcello Fonte delivers really capably here as the marmoset-like "Marcello" who has striven for years to develop his dog grooming business. To supplement his meagre income, he dabbles in a bit of cocaine dealing and in that he's partnered w...

Stephen Campbell

Stephen Campbell

**_A well made modern fable_** [contains spoilers] > _I sprayed him with gasoline in his face and set him on fire. With his head he breaks through the wire mesh of the cage and begins to scream. He screamed like a madman. I tie him with ...