This past weekend I caught the last 45 minutes or so at the end of this film on HBO, and enjoyed it thoroughly. So its obvious this isn't the kind of film you need to ask the chronology behind the character's behaviors. I waited to catch the rest of it at a later time.
Bridges did a terrific job as usual, accurately depicting a disgruntled fifty something with writers block. He's now numb to the yuppie neighborhood/lifestyle he resides. His outlook of life is droll, he has separated from his wife, his undergraduate daughter rarely visits, and he's constantly under his publishing agent's eye.
The dog (Devin) comes into Bridge's life when he agrees to one of his reader's pleas to rehabilitate it. Bridges, feeling he has nothing better to do, accepts the task. Devin is a mess but this film doesn't rely on cheap puns/humor and obvious scenarios that "Marley & Me" cranks out(that is if you drop the airport scene). Unlike "Marley", Riley had been an abused dog, he has some real reasons to have such odd behaviors and distrustful actions towards people. Nearing the end, the movie becomes quite touching as the dialogue fades away and the viewer relies on observation to analyze what exactly is going through the pair's minds. They really used each other to escape from depression and intolerance of the lives they have. Just a feel good quiet movie.
On a personal note, this is one film I (and many others) can directly relate too. I had the same issues with my dog which i adopted from a humane society. It just so happened to be during a rough period in my life too. Took a very long time for her to warm up enough to feel comfortable around me and others and now she's doing great, she loves being a dog again!
Bridges did a terrific job as usual, accurately depicting a disgruntled fifty something with writers block. He's now numb to the yuppie neighborhood/lifestyle he resides. His outlook of life is droll, he has separated from his wife, his undergraduate daughter rarely visits, and he's constantly under his publishing agent's eye.
The dog (Devin) comes into Bridge's life when he agrees to one of his reader's pleas to rehabilitate it. Bridges, feeling he has nothing better to do, accepts the task. Devin is a mess but this film doesn't rely on cheap puns/humor and obvious scenarios that "Marley & Me" cranks out(that is if you drop the airport scene). Unlike "Marley", Riley had been an abused dog, he has some real reasons to have such odd behaviors and distrustful actions towards people. Nearing the end, the movie becomes quite touching as the dialogue fades away and the viewer relies on observation to analyze what exactly is going through the pair's minds. They really used each other to escape from depression and intolerance of the lives they have. Just a feel good quiet movie.
On a personal note, this is one film I (and many others) can directly relate too. I had the same issues with my dog which i adopted from a humane society. It just so happened to be during a rough period in my life too. Took a very long time for her to warm up enough to feel comfortable around me and others and now she's doing great, she loves being a dog again!