The Dog Problem (2006)

When Solo, the writer of one book, runs out of money for therapy, his therapist suggests getting a dog. Problems arise.

Director:

Scott Caan

Writer:

Scott Caan

Stars:

Giovanni Ribisi, Lynn Collins, Scott Caan

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Giovanni Ribisi	...	Solo
Lynn Collins	...	Lola
Scott Caan	...	Casper
Kevin Corrigan	...	Benny
Mena Suvari	...	Jules
Sarah Shahi	...	Candy
Tito Ortiz	...	Frank
Kimo Leopoldo	...	Ted
Brian Goodman	...	Joe the Guard
Jennifer Carpenter	...	Redheaded Waitress
Laura Katz	...	Late Night Waitress
Joanna Krupa	...	Taffy
Crispian Belfrage	...	Jeffrey the Butler
Med Abrous	...	Brad
Melissa Keller	...	Escalator Girl

Storyline

In Los Angeles, a depressed writer named Solo has writer's block after a successful first book of which he's ashamed, and he's broke, thanks to a year in classical psychoanalysis. In their final session, his therapist suggests that he gets a pet, so Solo buys a scrawny terrier that adds to his problems: the dog isn't house-trained; he owes money to a thug who's angry; at a dog park, he begs a woman he's just met to pay the veterinarian's bill when the dog is bitten; and his friend Casper has introduced him to a persistent rich girl who decides that she wants the dog. He could sell, settle his debts, and return to life with a clean carpet, or he could figure out why he doesn't want to part with the dog.

---

Plot Keywords:

dog | writer | dog park | photographer | cameo | 

---

Taglines:

Eat. Sleep. Therapy. Repeat.

---

Genres:

Comedy

---

Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for language, some sexual content and nudity

Did You Know?

Goofs

When the bandage on Spot is pulled off his wound is miraculously healed.

---

Quotes

Casper: The guy was like a major Pimp in the 70's, killed people and shit.
Solo: Okay, he didn't kill people.
Casper: Yes he did.
Solo: No he didn't.
Casper: Yes he did.
Solo: Okay, you're just making that up.

---

Soundtracks

Walking in L.A.
Performed by Missing Persons

User Reviews

Very Well Played

Oh man. The acting in this film is very good. The story would probably not look so good on paper. This film tried to take a turn into a suckfest about twenty times, and every time it tried, it failed. It was a truly touching story, and it had a wonderful, understated sense of humor that was a joy to watch.

I can understand a lot of people not getting this film. It doesn't hit you over the head with a message, but the message is there, loud and clear. It doesn't blow you away with funny scenes and gut wrenching jokes, but when it's funny, it is delightfully so.

The direction is lovely. It is straightforward enough that you don't notice it, and believe me, that is a sign that a director knows what he's doing. It's not workmanlike, or ordinary. It's quite artistic! But it's not artistic in a pretentious way. It complements the story.

The film has a message, as I said before, and I can tell you what that message is.

Of course, I'm not going to. Watch the film to see what happens, digest it, and then watch it again to enjoy its nuances.

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

7 August 2007 (USA)

Also Known As:

Ihmisen paras ystävä

Filming Locations:

California, USA

Box Office

Opening Weekend USA:

$914, 29 April 2007

Gross USA:

$1,344

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$1,344

Company Credits

Production Co:

Dog Problem LLC, Thousand Words

Technical Specs

Runtime:

88 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1