Walking With Dogs

Authors: Juan
Location: Mexico

“Walking With Dogs”

Directed by: John Madden
Written by: Charlie Kaufman
Music by: Dario Marianelli
Cinematography by: Richard Greatrex
Edited by: Jill Bilcock

Principal Cast:

Paul Bettany - David Crane
Jena Malone - Annette "Annie" Greenaway
Ian McKellen - Ralph Adams
Diane Kruger - Isabelle Rimbaud
Josh Hartnett - Carl Baker
Maggie Smith - Lauren Adams
Diane Lane - Samantha Mortimer

Tagline: "Taking your dog to the park could be the beginning of your self-discovery"

Synopsis: Three peculiar and apparently dissimilar characters live in an elegant apartment building of New York. They have nothing in common except for their strong love for their dogs (Chopin, Morris and Paris), and the habit of taking them for walks at the same park every afternoon.

David (owner of Chopin) is a failed pianist, who dreamed about greatness and changing his modest lifestyle in a small town for recognition and money. As an easy way to accomplish his goals he married a rich widow, Samantha, a fervent admirer of his musical talent. The relationship did not progress because of David's exaggerated-ambition. He would later find himself as a piano man for the local bar. He lives totally disappointed with life, while trying to maintain a conflictive relationship with a depressed French waitress, Isabelle-his only way to escape from loneliness and despair, but regretting his failure with Samantha, who is apparently his real love.

A young dreaming and romantic Bostonian aristocrat, Annie (owner of Morris), who is tired of her perfect life and an assured future as the wife of some of her rich friends. She moves to New York to explore life by herself and find true love. She believes the newfound setting and the sense of independence will bring excitement into her life. But whe she realizes reality is not as she pictured it. She sees herself alone and separated of her comfortable lifestyle. That is until she meets Carl. An adventurous, optimistic, but down on his luck Veterinarian. Annie soon finds relief and comfort with Carl, hoping he will help her discover the sense of independence and love she has been searching for.

The last one is activist sensitive diplomatic, Ralph (Owner of Paris), a charitable political rights activist who has dedicated his entire career to promote peace and helping the needy for his wife, Lauren's company. But when the government makes the decision of reducing financial help for AIDS victims in order to support military actions in Middle-East, he decides to quit, trusting his wife will follow in his steps, but she remains in her charge. He decides to move to New York and enjoy a playboy life, far from issues that kept him worried and the ultimate frustration from his failures. He begins to yearn for the times when he and Lauren shared compassion to change the world.

One day, Morris breaks a bone, and her ingenuous owner doesn’t know what to do and asks Ralph, his nicest neighbor, for help, who recommends her a very good veterinarian, his friend Carl. After that, they become friends and talk while walking in the park, where they realize there is another neighbor who owns a dog, David, but that is quite reserved and seems to be always sad. Annie and Ralph make an effort to meet David, and after some tries, David becomes his friend and tell them the truth about his life. Each walk will help them to realize they have more things in common than dogs. Everybody's lives are the reflection of everybody's dreams; improving, changing and exploring. This will keep them united, finding together the true purpose of their lives, and taking them to an exciting journey to find happiness.

What the press would say:

Walking With Dogs is one of the best comedies of all time. A very human story that makes us reflect on our dreams, fears and hopes. John Madden achieves one of his finest works after his acclaimed film Shakespeare In Love. This film maintains his essence as a director, but his collaboration with creative people like Charlie Kaufman and Dario Marionelli, help him to make a memorable and majestic representation of human feelings. All of the performances are superb, beginning with Paul Bettany, who is able to control an array of emotions in such a complex and sensitive role. But it is Jena Malone who gives us the films most memorable and touching performance. Her character, apparently simple, though full happiness and sadness. Meanwhile, Ian McKellen confirms his quality as an actor, playing a funny diplomat. His performance is hilarious and delightful, but when his character faces his sad reality, he is is less than perfect. The supporting performances are impeccable. Diane Kruger, Maggie Smith, Josh Harnett, and Diane Lane stand out without stealing the show. Their characters are relevant and thoughtful, Kruger's 'Isabelle' in particular. Speaking about performances, there is no doubt that the film will be recognized by the AMPAS. We can confidently say that Walking With Dogs is a true modern day masterpiece. It combines hopeful messages, present-day worries and social commentary, with an intelligent dark comedic tone. It is a mix of many classic films such as Roman Holiday, Marty and Breakfast at Tiffany's. Now everything depends of AMPAS voters, but it's sure excellence will not be snubbed.

AWARDS FOR CONSIDERATION:

Best Picture
Best Director: John Madden
Best Actor: Paul Bettany
Best Actress: Jena Malone
Best Actor: Ian McKellen
Best supporting actress: Diane Kruger
Best supporting actress: Maggie Smith
Best supporting actress: Diane Lane
Best supporting actor: Josh Harnett
Original Screenplay
Cinematography
Original Score
Original Song (A song by Coldplay)
Best Editing
Best Art design