Year of the Dog - A Subtle Sermon on Animal Rights Activism
I saw “Year of the Dog” a couple of months ago at the CineArts theatre on Santana Row. Right from the first few shots, I knew it was my kind of movie (from a director’s point of view). I loved it overall, even though the bulk of the movie involves philosophies I don’t particularly care for — veganism and animal rights activism. While I have always agreed with animal rights organizations on the wrongness of animal cruelty and overpopulation, adoption, etc., I simply cannot agree with many of the lifestyle philosophies.
With that being said, “Year of the Dog” is essentially a love story about a woman (Molly Shannon of SNL fame) who finds love and purpose in an unlikely place. While it’s not an exceptionally extraordinary movie, it is definitely uncommon in its approach to the traditional love story. Shannon’s character, Peggy, is in love with her little beagle dog, Pencil. They do everything together, and while people have always let her down, Pencil has always been there for her. But one night, Pencil dies mysteriously, and it sets in motion a series of events that change Peggy’s life. Ultimately, she finds purpose and a place to put all the love she can give.
I think regardless of your background, “Year of the Dog” will at least make you smile. While you can extract the sermons that discuss the benefits of being vegan or the wrongness of animal cruelty, it does not really preach too hard. Basically, the movie is an apologetic for the Vegan and Animal Rights Activist. It doesn’t bash us over the head with the causes and philosophies, it merely states them. And along the way, we get honest commentary and questions from other characters about Peggy’s actions and philosophy. Things that any person might ask. Her little niece asks her “But if we don’t eat the animals, what are they gonna do?”
Mike White, writer and director, is known for his quirky comedies like “School of Rock”, “Orange County”, and “Nacho Libre”(co-writer), and this movie fits his M.O.While much of your enjoyment in this movie may come from simply watching Peggy find purpose, “Year of the Dog” is a very funny, lighthearted look at life, love, animals, and the strange humor in it all.
:: efrain gomez
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