The Dog Problem (2006)

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 ... See full summary »

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.

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Plot Keywords:

dog | writer | dog park | photographer | cameo | 

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Taglines:

Eat. Sleep. Therapy. Repeat.

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Genres:

Comedy

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for language, some sexual content and nudity

Did You Know?

Goofs

When Solo and Casper are having breakfast in the diner Solo's plate keeps switching position on the table between shots. First it is in front of him, then it's to his right, and then it switches back again.

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Quotes

Candy: She has legs 'n eggs today.
Solo: Okay, what the fuck is legs 'n eggs?

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Soundtracks

Walking in L.A.
Performed by Missing Persons

User Reviews

Absolutely brilliant work

If I had kept the reviews and comments in mind, I would've never rented this film, but I went with my gut and the fact that Ribisi is amazing and am so impressed with this movie. I loved this movie so much I'm bothering to leave a comment which in itself, for me, is unusual.

This sweet, poignant, simple, and heartbreakingly realistic movie is about a man who buys a dog at the advice of a therapist to improve his life. That's the straight-forward surface story. But as the story progresses, you really start to realize and appreciate the massive similarities between the dog and the main character, and the plight the dog and the emotional growth of the man. No matter what the movie is about or how far-out it is, it should connect with the viewer emotionally, be so realistic to everyday feelings it's scary, make you view you own personal life in a more open-minded revelatory way, and make you consider what life is all about. This is definitely one of those movies.

Based on other reviews and comments, this movie isn't for everyone's tastes. But to me, this is the kind of movie that makes the hundred other semi-interesting but ultimately disappointing movies viewed before it pale in comparison. It's a gem that makes you happy you saw it. It was absolutely brilliant and I loved it.

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

7 August 2007 (USA)

Also Known As:

Ihmisen paras ystävä

Filming Locations:

Hollywood, Los Angeles, 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