Dog Dick

Director - James Bell
Release Date - 2014
Genre - Drama
Format - DVD (Personal Collection)

Rating (out of 5):

     Sometimes I will watch a handful of indie flicks that make me think that not all indie features are original. Some borrow heavily from other films and in most cases it's the films that inspired the filmmaker to make films.  I'm not saying all indie films are unoriginal just stating that a good portion borrowed from other films in one fashion or another (cue the angry emails).  However, I do come across some films that are so original that I can't find another film to compare it to.  That brings me to the experimental indie flick Dog Dick directed (or edited in a sense) by James Bell of Very Fine Crap Videos.  This film is unlike anything I have seen before which can be seen from the film's poster, stills, and trailer.  A horror minded friend that has recommend so many films to me for review told me that I really needed to check it out and I am damn glad I was able to check out this bizarre piece of cinema. 
     The film actually has no storyline.  The film follows various individuals as they go through the different stages of their day. Some of these people clearly have some sort of mental disabilities, physical disabilities, and possible drug or alcohol problems.  That also references the film's alternate title The Great White Apocalypse. 






     Before I saw this film I knew nothing about it other than the fact it would be extremely unique. After watching the film I personally had several questions.  Did Bell film this himself or did he find this footage at a yard sale or thrift store and then edited it together?  I was unable to find this information but Bell's YouTube channel stated that it took him three years to complete the project and I think all that hard work shows.  The film lacks actual actors and story but it more than makes up for it with several "what the fuck moments" that you just can't seem to pull your eyes away from.  The best way to sum this film up is to compare it to an extremely overweight couple eating in public.  You are disgusted with the entire scene but you just cant stop watching.  With all that being said, I did have a little trouble with a few of the scenes.  Most of them involving animal carcases and a wounded bird that could not fly.  Before you go all P.E.T.A. on Bell I have to take up for him.  He did not kill these animals nor did the people on film.  These animals were found dead and the bird was already found wounded.  Overall, Dog Dick is the weirdest fucking movie I have ever seen. I grew up in the poorest county in West Virginia and I saw a lot of shit growing up there, however, my life there did not prepare me for what director James Bell was about show me.  I highly recommend this one but be warned, if you have a weak stomach I would think twice about seeing this film!