I know I'm late to the party.... but I just watched Power of the Dog and oh my goodness!
First of all, everyone's acting is incredible! Kodi, Kristin Dunst, Jesse Plemons, even the background characters are impeccably acted.
The music, the scenery, the cinematic filming style- it's all just so good. If you haven't seen it, I highly recommend it!!
Nobody was better than anybody else, but I'm going to focus on Benedict because I'm biased. 😂
We all know that Benny can act, but he exceeded himself in Power of the Dog. The emotions are so raw and honest, that I found myself crying and laughing along with him. He gives such depth and complexity to his character. Yes, Phil is a hateful and manipulative man, but he is also broken and traumatized.
For those that haven't seen it, imagine the emotions and complexity of Doctor Strange x100. Here are just a few minuscule expressions I found incredible:
And the accent! If I didn't know Benedict was British, I would think this was his natural accent. As someone that lives in Texas, I have never found the southern accent charming, but when he does it... *chefs kiss*. His accent in PotD is more southern than mine. 😂
How he didn't get the Oscar, I don't freaking know. Maybe soon, if the academy can get their act together, he'll finally get one. He deserves it!!
Dear Mr. Benedict Cumberbatch, Happy Birthday to you! 🎂🎉
With your hard work and talent, you have created so many interesting characters and I wish you many great, interesting roles, the very best you can wish for. You have a wonderful family, and it always warms my heart when I see so much love and care between all members of your family, so I would like to wish long and happy years to each of those who are dear to you. I wish you everything that you would dream of for yourself and, of course, the best health and much, much joy and success! Happy birthday!
P.s. And thank you from all my heart for supporting Ukraine.
We will never forget your kindness in our worst times.
"She was drunk! Pie-eyed, she was smashed! I think you'd know from the books your pa left you, that your ma's got... . uhhh whatchamacallit alcoholic personality? It comes under the letter A!"
On Phil Burbank and thoughts on realistic drawing:
a few weeks ago I finished reading The power of the dog. and I cried over Phil Burbank's death. I have never cried over a book. Ok, maybe some tears over Frankenstein's creature monologue. however, the wound is still open. once the book was closed, a part of me remained inside it and God knows when it will come out.
today I felt like drawing again. I decided to draw Phil (as well as my beloved Cucumberbatch). just something little and quick. I love drawing faces, they are all so unique. I love emphasizing wrinkles and eye bags. I also like not to follow a scheme, no preparatory sketches, no study of the proportions. I let my eyes and hands guide me. the result is the surprise of the future. halfway through the drawing I realized it didn't look too much like Cucumberbatch. It wasn't a "realistic" portrait. but it was the portrait "of that moment". and in the end I liked how it turned out. maybe I've found my style. maybe I don't need everything to be perfect when I draw.
this is the Phil Burbank of the day 24/10/2023. and he will probably be different from the Phil Burbank of the day XX/YY/ZZZZ.
thanks Thomas Savage for writing one of the best books I've ever read.