Dogman

European cinema’s definitive auteur of the 90s – known for both visual and box office peaks as well as stumbles, and a director who handles huge budgets and indie resources with equal ease – is in competition this year with Dogman.

As the lights dim, one question lingers: will this film be one of his highs or one of his lows? It takes less than a minute, with a mesmerising camera movement circling a van in the rain at night, to realise that this is an in-form Besson right before our eyes.

Doug (Caleb Landry Jones), crossdressed in pink and bloodstained, is arrested while driving a vehicle full of trained dogs. Taken to a police interrogation room, he recounts his story in flashbacks. Initially, the direction of the narrative is unclear, but scene by scene, Dogman unfolds as a must-see tale of a drag queen vigilante who finds emotional shelter in his love for dogs.

The absolute star of Dogman is Landry Jones, who delivers a lifetime performance, blending elements of Eddie Redmayne, Dane DeHaan, and Val Kilmer in a disturbing yet empathetic portrayal of a man who has endured hell and, despite his wheelchair and braces, manages to stand his ground exuding strength.

The film balances scenes of Doug’s enjoyment in his weekly drag bar performances with his deep bond with his dogs, painting a multifaceted portrait of a man whose most meaningful relationships are with his pets rather than people. Besson’s writing, while occasionally losing coherence, ultimately guides viewers to a poignant conclusion. It’s a bizarre yet captivating character study that underscores the director’s flair for meshing disparate elements into a visual and emotional experience.

Dogman might not reach the cinematic heights of some of his previous works, but it offers a rich, genre-blending spectacle that confirms his unapologetic style. It’s an audacious, occasionally erratic film that, like its protagonist, refuses to be neatly categorised, making it a quintessential Besson experience.

Laura Denti

Dogman does not have a release date yet.

Read more reviews from our Venice Film Festival 2023 coverage here.

For further information about the event visit the Venice Film Festival website here.