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

A Dog Year, That Seemed More Like a Week, That lasted a Year

Having no prior knowledge that this movie was based on a year of the writer's own life - I thought it was going to turn out to be some wretched gangster movie with a dog thrown in. Thankfully it wasn't. But, it wasn't much of anything else either. At odd times it looked like it was going to lead somewhere...then, would take a dive. There were one or two nice dog/owner moments - the promise of a training session to add another dimension but, that goes nowhere either. Then it fades out - 'The End' what?

All looks like someone trying to prove they could make a tele-movie but forgot about the importance of a script with a complete story. Pity, it's the tail wagging the dog I'm afraid. Some reviewers hinted that only country folk would understand this tale, well maybe only those who have been in the country alone, for too long, and no longer understand the purpose of a story to go with their visuals. Only for the very easily pleased. Still, suppose it could have been worse, although not sure how much.