A Dog Year (2009)

A guy suffering from a midlife crisis takes in a dog that's crazier than he is.

Director:

George LaVoo

Writers:

George LaVoo, Jon Katz (book)

Stars:

Jeff Bridges, Lauren Ambrose, Lois Smith

Nominated for 1 Primetime Emmy.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Jeff Bridges	...	Jon Katz
Lauren Ambrose	...	Emma
Lois Smith	...	Lois Blair
Domhnall Gleeson	...	Anthony Armstrong
Welker White	...	Brenda King
Elizabeth Marvel	...	Margo
Pamela Stewart	...	Patti (as Pamela Holden Stewart)
Deirdre O'Connell	...	Donna Brady
Karen Allen	...	Paula (voice)
Leo Trombetta	...	Richard (voice)
Patricia Lentz	...	Holly (voice) (as Pat Lentz)
Jan Leslie Harding	...	Nancy Longhetti
Teresa Yenque	...	Airport Bystander
Glenn Kessler	...	Airport Police
Joe Wachowski	...	Airport Police

Storyline

Jon Katz is close to burnout. He's a writer with writer's block; his wife has left for her sister's because he's emotionally distant; he rarely answers his phone. A kennel sends him a border collie that's undisciplined because of abuse. Despite a series of mishaps, Jon decides to keep trying with the dog, and he rents a dilapidated farm house to give the dog room to run. A local handyman refers Jon to a woman who might be able to help him train the dog. Reluctantly, Jon gives her a try. Is the dog the problem, or the owner?

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Plot Keywords:

pet owner relationship | midlife crisis | writers block | border collie | marital problem | 

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama

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Certificate:

Not Rated

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

3 September 2009 (USA)

Also Known As:

Hundår

Filming Locations:

Greenwich, New York, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

HBO Films, Duopoly, Devon's Corporation

Technical Specs

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The veterinary hospital scenes in the film were shot at the Animal Hospital of White Plains. The hospital is co-owned by Dr. Maria Lagana, who also served as Vet consultant on the picture.

User Reviews

Subject matter is presented in a realistic style

For me the most important aspect of Jeff Bridges as an actor, is he is believable and real. I don't know if I would have rated the film any higher without his performance as Jon Katz the main character in the story. The film style is simplistic but projects a realistic view of what it's like to have a highly active and abused dog. What is most memorable to me are the few simple scenes that Jeff Bridges shares with Devon. I was so pleased that he filmmaker did not take a "Disney" format approach to the subject and presented in its true from.

If there is one criticism I have with the film is that I'm never explained the psyche of the main character Jon Katz. Why is he stubborn and unyielding and refusing to listen to other people's advice. We are told that he is an "mad" by the trainer but there is no evidence or background to support this.

These to me are minor points but worth mentioning. In all it was a very believable and realistic approach to the subject.