Dogman

Dogman is a riveting thriller that was released in 2012 by director Richard Brauer. The film stars the talented actor Larry Joe Campbell, with strong supporting performances from Mariann Mayberry and Kimberly Guerrero.

Campbell is known to many audiences as Andy from the sitcom "According to Jim", but in Dogman, he takes on a different role entirely. He brings to life Hanklin Purvis, a desperate and tormented man who lives on the edge of society. Searching for a gigantic beast known as the Dogman in the backwoods of Michigan, we get to explore the gritty character and his mysterious journey through suspense, action and elements of myth.

Mariann Mayberry, an established actress who won hearts during her tenure in Steppenwolf Theatre Company, brings a whole new level of humanity and depth to her role as Marla Purvis, Hank's supportive yet concerned wife. Her portrayal gives the narrative a weight and emotional pivot that enhances the thriller genre of the film.

The cast is rounded out by Kimberly Guerrero, a skilled actress who injects spirit and a firm resolve into her character. Guerrero's performance adds a further layer of suspense and expectation to the narrative.

The plot of Dogman revolves around the legend of the Dogman, an infamous beast claimed to be witnessed by local hunters, wanderers, and residents across the different regions of Michigan, primarily in the secluded, murky backwoods. This creature is known for its spine-chilling howls and malicious demeanor, striking fear into the hearts of those who dare wander near its territory.

The persistent Hanklin Purvis is determined to capture the elusive Dogman, waging a personal war against this mysterious creature. His obsession with the beast not only presents him with physical challenges but also begins to affect his relationships, notably with his wife Marla. As Hanklin puts himself in harm's way repeatedly, Marla becomes increasingly worried about Hank's safety and the toll this obsession is taking on their relationship.

Intriguing and engaging, Dogman offers a thrilling exploration of man versus nature and explores the thin line between obsession and madness. This film adeptly combines moments of heightened tension and intense action with a deeply personal story, making it a compelling watch for fans of thrillers and character-driven narratives.

Director Richard Brauer presents a unique take on the creature feature genre by incorporating elements of folklore into the storyline. The director's storytelling approach and the compelling performances of the cast generate a well-paced narrative that draws viewers in and keeps them on the edge of their seats.

Dogman is awash with beautiful cinematography, with many scenes set in the captivating wilderness of Michigan. These picturesque yet ominous landscape shots contribute to the overall mood of the film and tie in beautifully with the mystery of the Dogman legend.

One of the movie's underlying themes is obsession and how it can impact individuals and their relationships. The film explores this theme through its portrayal of Hanklin’s increasing fixation with capturing the Dogman, which starts to consume his entire life. His relationship with his wife becomes strained as the line between hunting the creature and getting consumed and obsessed by it starts to blur.

Furthermore, Dogman also uses the legend of the eponymous creature as a tool to bring forth local lore and the culture of rural Michigan to the screen. The people’s reverence and fear of the Dogman, and the tales they tell about this creature, portray a rich local culture steeped in mystery and folklore.

To conclude, Dogman is not just a story about a man in pursuit of a creature; it's much more than that. Wrapped in the cloak of a thriller, it offers introspection into human psychology, relationships, and the effect of obsession. With impressive performances from the cast, notable storytelling, picturesque cinematography, and subtle themes, Dogman offers an exciting and thought-provoking watch for movie enthusiasts.