I have to agree with many of the negative comments. Gayle Kirschenbaum is incredibly self-absorbed, and this is really driven home when you look at the credits and no one else is given any! She is one of the pet people I cannot stand--dressing them up, interacting through them, constantly asking "isn't my baby the cutest?", not allowing them to be what they are--animals--and spending small fortunes on pet clothes, jewelry, beauty parlors, etc, while humans starve in front of them. (Trust me, ladies, this is NOT the way to attract a man!) But 9/11 does bring somewhat of a change for the better in her, and it is an interesting contrast. I'd give it a lower rating but for a couple of things. There are some very funny moments; one involving a husband who's given up is absolutely priceless. Then there is the music, including a separate video on the DVD. The jazz group Dave's True Story performing "A Dog's Life" is worth the price of rental. Bravo to them!
14 Reviews
Terrible AND Offensive
groggo24 November 2007
This alleged 'documentary' is not a documentary at all, but a 33-minute exercise in self-adulation by one stone-cold clueless filmmaker. It's so awful that I thought it was a satire or a running joke. I kept waiting for a punch line, but, alas, it plays it straight from beginning to end.
The filmmaker behind A Dog's Life, etc., is a strange and, in my eyes, hopelessly self-absorbed New Yorker named Gayle Kirschenbaum, who shows discerning viewers how an adult human being, using her own camera, can make an absolute idiot out of herself and be totally oblivious to it.
The titular dog of the flick is called Chelsea, and he's much more than a pet. He's a lover and an obsession for Kirschenbaum. She also sees herself as a 'single mother' to this cute little mutt. She dresses him in a variety of fashionable clothes, bathes and sleeps with him, kisses him (yes, tongues are involved), picks up his feces from the living room carpet, takes him to a spa, a day care, a 'personal physician' (a vet to the rest of us) and a pet 'psychiatrist' (!). She talks to other dog owners about arranged marriages and buying rhinestone bracelets. And still the punch line doesn't come.
In the aftermath of 11 September in New York, Kirshenbaum reveals her rank opportunism by showcasing her precious dog in a NYC hospital, ostensibly giving comfort to the afflicted.
I would like to believe that this woman was deeply concerned about the welfare of these hospital patients, but that takes a wild leap of faith -- her lens gives us ample evidence to the contrary. She appears to be far more interested in showing the infirm and their relatives what a magnificent creature Chelsea was/is/whatever.
In the hospital, the Dance of the Macabre begins. We see at least two comatose, skeletal and dying patients flanked by a beaming Kirshenbaum and her doggie. One elderly man is seen gasping for breath on his literal deathbed while Kirshenbaum records it, apparently with great satisfaction. She thought her adorable dog was giving comfort to these people, but instead they were, sad to say, too preoccupied with dying. It was ghoulish, a ghastly affront to human dignity, and yet this incredibly insensitive woman didn't seem to realize it.
What I also find remarkable is that apparently none of her many so-called 'friends' told Kirschenbaum what a spectacle she had made of herself. Even the noted doc-maker Albert Maysles (Grey Gardens, Gimme Shelter) praises her. In the cloistered intellectual gardens of Greenwich Village, 'friends' is a negotiable noun.
There's a little conceit in this flick about Kirshenbaum trying to get a husband for her and and a 'daddy' for Chelsea. I love the ending (unless it's a contrived set-up, which is entirely possible). The filmmaker stops a guy on the street and asks if he's married. He looks uncomfortable and wants to keep walking. You can read his face and it's saying: 'oh, oh, it's another one of those dog people'. But again, Kirshenbaum didn't seem to pick up on it. He might have been the only sensible person in this whole flick.
'A Dog's Life' is fascinating for all the wrong reasons. One wonders how Kirshenbaum manages to navigate through the portals of everyday reality.
The filmmaker behind A Dog's Life, etc., is a strange and, in my eyes, hopelessly self-absorbed New Yorker named Gayle Kirschenbaum, who shows discerning viewers how an adult human being, using her own camera, can make an absolute idiot out of herself and be totally oblivious to it.
The titular dog of the flick is called Chelsea, and he's much more than a pet. He's a lover and an obsession for Kirschenbaum. She also sees herself as a 'single mother' to this cute little mutt. She dresses him in a variety of fashionable clothes, bathes and sleeps with him, kisses him (yes, tongues are involved), picks up his feces from the living room carpet, takes him to a spa, a day care, a 'personal physician' (a vet to the rest of us) and a pet 'psychiatrist' (!). She talks to other dog owners about arranged marriages and buying rhinestone bracelets. And still the punch line doesn't come.
In the aftermath of 11 September in New York, Kirshenbaum reveals her rank opportunism by showcasing her precious dog in a NYC hospital, ostensibly giving comfort to the afflicted.
I would like to believe that this woman was deeply concerned about the welfare of these hospital patients, but that takes a wild leap of faith -- her lens gives us ample evidence to the contrary. She appears to be far more interested in showing the infirm and their relatives what a magnificent creature Chelsea was/is/whatever.
In the hospital, the Dance of the Macabre begins. We see at least two comatose, skeletal and dying patients flanked by a beaming Kirshenbaum and her doggie. One elderly man is seen gasping for breath on his literal deathbed while Kirshenbaum records it, apparently with great satisfaction. She thought her adorable dog was giving comfort to these people, but instead they were, sad to say, too preoccupied with dying. It was ghoulish, a ghastly affront to human dignity, and yet this incredibly insensitive woman didn't seem to realize it.
What I also find remarkable is that apparently none of her many so-called 'friends' told Kirschenbaum what a spectacle she had made of herself. Even the noted doc-maker Albert Maysles (Grey Gardens, Gimme Shelter) praises her. In the cloistered intellectual gardens of Greenwich Village, 'friends' is a negotiable noun.
There's a little conceit in this flick about Kirshenbaum trying to get a husband for her and and a 'daddy' for Chelsea. I love the ending (unless it's a contrived set-up, which is entirely possible). The filmmaker stops a guy on the street and asks if he's married. He looks uncomfortable and wants to keep walking. You can read his face and it's saying: 'oh, oh, it's another one of those dog people'. But again, Kirshenbaum didn't seem to pick up on it. He might have been the only sensible person in this whole flick.
'A Dog's Life' is fascinating for all the wrong reasons. One wonders how Kirshenbaum manages to navigate through the portals of everyday reality.
possibly the worst thing i've ever seen
LeonardMaltinsBalls21 December 2005
this is awful. not even like Plan 9 awful.
the narrating is arrogant and self-righteous. the subject matter is just plain ridiculous. and essentially the movie seems to have Absolutely NOTHING TO SAY.
it's a fantastic study on who is able to make movies these days; you don't need a voice or heart anymore - you just have to have money, connections, and a sense of entitlement.
someone, for the love of "film" and "cinema", pick this up with a plastic bag on the sidewalk and throw it in the garbage can around the corner.
the narrating is arrogant and self-righteous. the subject matter is just plain ridiculous. and essentially the movie seems to have Absolutely NOTHING TO SAY.
it's a fantastic study on who is able to make movies these days; you don't need a voice or heart anymore - you just have to have money, connections, and a sense of entitlement.
someone, for the love of "film" and "cinema", pick this up with a plastic bag on the sidewalk and throw it in the garbage can around the corner.
Love is the key to this film
megansue5 August 2012
This film told a great story. It is full of comedic quirks. That being said, it is certainly not short on tenderness or meaning. The overwhelming take-away message is that love (both canine and human) is the central drive in life. There is a great feeling of hope as the film progresses, especially as the audience witnesses Chelsea's (the dog's) therapeutic gift with all people. Chelsea's relationship with her owner Gayle is also a treat to observe. I love that this story is about real people and their pets. The film has a fearlessness about it in its humor and its truthfulness.
Check it out!
Check it out!
Complete Waste
patrickparsons20 January 2006
When I read the movie billed as a documentary about a lady who puts a camera on her dog's head and makes a movie from her (the dog's) perspective, I thought this movie sounded interesting. Oh my god, was I tricked.
This movie was a complete waste in every sense. I am so angry for having paid to rent the DVD. I am angry for the time lost watching the movie. I'm angry for the time wasted talking about it here. I only hope this saves another innocent viewer from subjecting themselves to what has to be one of the worst movies ever put on a DVD.
I suppose it could be said that an extremely bad movie could be considered interesting solely due to the extremity of it's badness. Not the case here. It is simply a bore.
This movie was a complete waste in every sense. I am so angry for having paid to rent the DVD. I am angry for the time lost watching the movie. I'm angry for the time wasted talking about it here. I only hope this saves another innocent viewer from subjecting themselves to what has to be one of the worst movies ever put on a DVD.
I suppose it could be said that an extremely bad movie could be considered interesting solely due to the extremity of it's badness. Not the case here. It is simply a bore.
Absolutely superb...for these reasons...
onlywiretracking5 August 2012
After just one viewing, this instantly became one of my favorite movies for several reasons: First, it's a very sweet story about a woman and her dog. It's light, it's fun and it shows how much one woman can love her dog. It's a downright feel good movie. If you have a dog, you'll love it even more. If you don't, you'll realize what you're missing.
Second, Gayle's efforts in putting this movie together, getting it distributed, gathering support, etc. virtually on her own, are incredibly motivating.
Third, Gayle's confidence and go-for-it attitude all through the movie are so inspiring.
Helen Keller said: "Life is a daring adventure or it's nothing at all." Gayle is the embodiment of that quote and her movie is proof of that.
I read the negative comments about this movie. I can't figure out what these people are talking about. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but these are so extreme I wonder what the motivation for posting them would have been.
If you want a sweet story about a woman and her dog, put together by a lone dog lover, not a big studio, I recommend this one so highly.
And my bet is that the last few minutes of this film will bring you some of the biggest smiles. They did for me.
As a disclaimer, I have no business or personal relationship with Gayle aside from letting her know how much I love her movie.
Second, Gayle's efforts in putting this movie together, getting it distributed, gathering support, etc. virtually on her own, are incredibly motivating.
Third, Gayle's confidence and go-for-it attitude all through the movie are so inspiring.
Helen Keller said: "Life is a daring adventure or it's nothing at all." Gayle is the embodiment of that quote and her movie is proof of that.
I read the negative comments about this movie. I can't figure out what these people are talking about. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but these are so extreme I wonder what the motivation for posting them would have been.
If you want a sweet story about a woman and her dog, put together by a lone dog lover, not a big studio, I recommend this one so highly.
And my bet is that the last few minutes of this film will bring you some of the biggest smiles. They did for me.
As a disclaimer, I have no business or personal relationship with Gayle aside from letting her know how much I love her movie.
All Dog Lovers must watch this Film!
rewiuue12326 July 2005
Warning: Spoilers
This is the cutest documentary...a must for all dog lovers!! The first half is about a woman (the filmmaker) trying to find love in new york city with her dog. Her little dog, Chelsea, is also looking for love and they meet all these off-the-wall characters on their quest for love. But what really makes the movie worth watching is the second half, after 9/11, Chelsea becomes a pet therapy dog. She was even credited with taking a woman out of a coma! Anyway, the film ends on this really poignant note of finding love by giving love...so sweet! It made me laugh and cry, and I'm usually not an emotional movie watcher! See this movie if you get a chance!
Do not waste your time
yngsong-114-25462423 July 2011
I train dogs and own dogs so I expected to love this. But this was 33 minutes of my life that I will never get back... it was just a story of a crazy dog lady who had way too much time on her hands and enough money to produce a video showcasing this fact.
It was a great concept, finding love as a single dog owner. But not as a CRAZY dog owner who is as self absorbed and insane about her dog as she appeared in the movie. The dogs were giving off several stress signals throughout(looking away, yawning). I just felt bad for them and wished they were allowed to just be dogs.
Seriously, pass this one by.
It was a great concept, finding love as a single dog owner. But not as a CRAZY dog owner who is as self absorbed and insane about her dog as she appeared in the movie. The dogs were giving off several stress signals throughout(looking away, yawning). I just felt bad for them and wished they were allowed to just be dogs.
Seriously, pass this one by.
Great movie
bettyville28 April 2008
This movie is fantastic. It starts out as a gal and her dog looking for love around New York City (Only in New York are people willing to videotape how crazy they are). She dresses the dog, bathes with the dog, puts a camera on the dog (which is thankfully not the majority of the movie) At first it is a little vain, annoying, but very funny, but then the film turns another direction after a day of taping downtown and they capture 9/11. They turn their focus outward and the film becomes about the healing powers of love, how love can come from anywhere, and how anyone can make a the world a better place. Most touching scene is definitely the hospice, and to summarize it would not do it justice. Great movie, check it out.
The "doggie cam" is priceless
mmorissp19 August 2012
Gayle Kirschenbaum created a touching and funny movie about the love and companionship between people and dogs. Chelsea (Gayle's dog) has to be the cutest dog ever!
This wonderful "dogamentary" not only moved me but my daughter who is 11 years old.
After seeing this film she insisted we get her a dog.
She was inspired to make her own a movie.
The "doggie cam" showing Chelsea's point of view is priceless!
You don't have to be a dog lover to love this film. This film is fun, funny and touching!
This wonderful "dogamentary" not only moved me but my daughter who is 11 years old.
After seeing this film she insisted we get her a dog.
She was inspired to make her own a movie.
The "doggie cam" showing Chelsea's point of view is priceless!
You don't have to be a dog lover to love this film. This film is fun, funny and touching!
Poignant, Funny, Powerful, Eccentric
dreamwandbooks5 August 2012
Warning: Spoilers
I first saw Gayle Kirschenbaum's "A Dog's Life" at a film festival screening where it wowed the audience. I laughed out loud with everyone in that packed theater during Acts One & Two. In the beginning, this is a breezy entertaining documentary from one of our best filmmaking satirists. Its premise: a mischievous self-promoting celebrity dog "Chelsea" is searching for love in the Big Apple... or at least for doggy companionship... just like her frustrated director/forty-something mother has been doing for years. But then, the story moves from funny and risqué to tragic unexpectedly, when in the middle of filming in their Greenwich Village neighborhood, 911 happens. Act Three moved me to tears. Gayle and Chelsea immediately volunteer to help with the rescue, and because of their big hearts and kindness, they begin to perform miracles. I highly recommend this film to dog lovers and human being lovers everywhere.
Great Film!! Loved It!!
MovieFanx8812 September 2012
Warning: Spoilers
After watching this film, I checked it out on IMDb and just had to comment. I don't understand some of these negative reviews! And I shouldn't even call them reviews; they're just flat out rude! I could understand writing an opinion but to put down a person and her film like that is just ridiculous. There are films you like and there are films you don't. Personally, I REALLY enjoyed it!
I'm a dog lover and I tell you any dog lover would enjoy this film. It's cute, adorable, and funny. Gayle is such a character! I think she is born for reality TV! The film is also very educational (really informative). I never knew there was such a thing as therapy dogs. I looked it up online after watching the movie and yup there are! It was very interesting to see everyone's reactions to Chelsea throughout her life, especially after 9/11 in the hospitals. Throughout the film, Gayle and Chelsea simply lived their lives, and once 9/11 hit Gayle realizes the true power Chelsea had on people. And I think it's safe to say that we all realized a lot of things that day. 9/11 changed everyone. In my opinion, I think this film was pretty good and had a good mix of many different kinds of documentary and reality TV styles.
Very well done. I'd recommend seeing it. As for the bad reviews, it's a matter of opinion. And just ignore the rude comments. If you're a dog lover, you'll really enjoy this film. I did! =) Enjoy the life through the eyes of therapy dog! Really cool! FIVE STARS!
I'm a dog lover and I tell you any dog lover would enjoy this film. It's cute, adorable, and funny. Gayle is such a character! I think she is born for reality TV! The film is also very educational (really informative). I never knew there was such a thing as therapy dogs. I looked it up online after watching the movie and yup there are! It was very interesting to see everyone's reactions to Chelsea throughout her life, especially after 9/11 in the hospitals. Throughout the film, Gayle and Chelsea simply lived their lives, and once 9/11 hit Gayle realizes the true power Chelsea had on people. And I think it's safe to say that we all realized a lot of things that day. 9/11 changed everyone. In my opinion, I think this film was pretty good and had a good mix of many different kinds of documentary and reality TV styles.
Very well done. I'd recommend seeing it. As for the bad reviews, it's a matter of opinion. And just ignore the rude comments. If you're a dog lover, you'll really enjoy this film. I did! =) Enjoy the life through the eyes of therapy dog! Really cool! FIVE STARS!
A Dog's Life
dribalz-453-57399918 August 2012
I saw this movie on New Year's Day in 2007 with my Miniature Schnauzer, Samantha.
This is a beautiful love story, albeit with a different angle. Gayle is a wonderful film maker who handled a difficult subject with style and class.
While Chelsea is in Doggie Heaven now, she will always be remembered as a caring loving dog. Aren't they all?
I loved the music especially the song Dog's Life by Dave's True Story off the album Nature. it is a must for Jazz lovers and is in current rotation on my iPod 5 years after I first heard it.
See this movie, don't forget your dog!
This is a beautiful love story, albeit with a different angle. Gayle is a wonderful film maker who handled a difficult subject with style and class.
While Chelsea is in Doggie Heaven now, she will always be remembered as a caring loving dog. Aren't they all?
I loved the music especially the song Dog's Life by Dave's True Story off the album Nature. it is a must for Jazz lovers and is in current rotation on my iPod 5 years after I first heard it.
See this movie, don't forget your dog!
Chelsea: Star, Therapy Dog, Companion
motionpicture12314 October 2012
Warning: Spoilers
***May Contain Spoilers***
This is a great documentary. Appealing camera work. Pleasant music. Thoughtful voice overs. Unique story.
Throughout the movie we meet interesting people who have something to say that's worth hearing. It's great to get to see the story of Gayle's relationship with her dog, Chelsea, and the moments they experience and the people they come across. Both Gayle and Chelsea are single and are looking for a match; they make the extra effort to go from single to committed. Chelsea always seems to be the center of attention for TV cameras, but her fame is stopped once the tragedy of September 11th strikes and her focus is put toward something other than the limelight. This is a must-see, and make sure to check out the director's cut.
This is a great documentary. Appealing camera work. Pleasant music. Thoughtful voice overs. Unique story.
Throughout the movie we meet interesting people who have something to say that's worth hearing. It's great to get to see the story of Gayle's relationship with her dog, Chelsea, and the moments they experience and the people they come across. Both Gayle and Chelsea are single and are looking for a match; they make the extra effort to go from single to committed. Chelsea always seems to be the center of attention for TV cameras, but her fame is stopped once the tragedy of September 11th strikes and her focus is put toward something other than the limelight. This is a must-see, and make sure to check out the director's cut.
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
