Dogtooth

A dear friend of mine I’ve known since I was 15 studied journalism and got a masters degree in media, production assistance. She was quite lucky when she returned in Greece after finishing her degrees in the UK to work in the production of a Greek movie called ‘Dogtooth’.

After finishing the creation of the movie, she told me to watch out for it and that the movie is exceptional. Knowing her I said to myself “yeah, right” and I was a bit reluctant about it. I knew that since she told me that it was good, it would be simply enjoyable and not something that amazing.

Then, some times passed and ‘Dogtooth’ was sent to various Film Festivals around the world. I was surprised to hear that it won a few prizes like the ‘Dublin Film Critics Award’, the ‘Bronze Horse’ of the Stockholm Film Festival and the ‘Un Certain Regard Award’ at the Cannes Film Festival at 2009! Especially the last prize was a true honour. My friend told me all about her visit to Cannes and although they were there for work, the whole team managed to attend some parties, like the one held by Quentin Tarantino where the guest list included Pitt and Jolie! For a girl from my small home town that is amazing in a materialist Hollywoody point of view.

After missing the movie at the BFI (British Film Institute), I managed to get the movie. It’s not really that difficult to find since it’s in every ‘Blockbuster’. Anyway, I managed to watch it this Saturday.

It’s not easy to describe… When the movie ended I was utterly speechless. It is so weird that you can’t really depict it. It’s originality and the message that it’s trying to pass is something brilliant. At times it’s hilarious and at times it can be shocking. I truly believe that people have to watch it to make up their own mind. The only thing that you will find a bit weird is the fact that it’s in Greek with English subtitles and also the cinematography. It’s very ‘European’. Frames are not very well centered and people do speak in a slightly weird slow motion. Of course as a proper ‘cult’ movie, there are scenes of explicit sexual nature…

I’m not going to reveal much, but the story is about a family being restrained in their house somewhere in the outskirts of Athens. The father is the only one allowed to go out and the children are disconnected from all outside influences. There are no phones that the children can use, no TV or radio. The children live under the rules of the parents and believe everything they are told. It’s a movie about oppression, propaganda, family matters and adolescence, rebellion presented in a very unique way. It’s been ages since a movie inspired such interesting topics of conversation.

Just watch the trailer to get an idea. If you do watch the movie I'd like to hear your feedback.