Four Dogs

Four Dogs is a 2013 American independent film, directed by Joe Burke and co-written by Burke and Oliver Cooper. The film stars television newcomer Cooper, alongside highly experienced comedians Dan Bakkedahl and Rebecca Goldstein. This comedy-drama takes the viewer deep into the seemingly ordinary lives of its central characters but works on many dimensional layers that make it a unique, raw, and relatable cinematic experience with a touch of humor.

The movie is primarily centered on the life of a young man named Oliver, portrayed by Oliver Cooper. He's an actor trying to find his footing not just in the competitive Hollywood world but also in the real world that lurks beyond auditions and callbacks. Oliver is depicted as a young talent caught in an existential limbo as he spends most of his time in his aunt's house staying low-key, grappling with life's major questions and finding his purpose amidst the chaos.

Oliver shares this everyday existence, full of humor, monotony, and perplexing life puzzles, with his aunt's four dogs, which provide motivation for the witty title. These adorable canines offer more than just a pet’s companionship as they become an integral part of Oliver’s reflective journey. The four dogs serve as a mirror reflecting Oliver's individuality and emotions, transforming the film into an introspective stage where man's best friend becomes a silent critic, follower, and likeminded entity to the protagonist.

What makes this movie stand out and hit so close to home is its raw and authentic approach. It isn't afraid to dive into the mundanity of everyday life—the tedious, inconsequential life moments that usually never make it to the screen. Suddenly, these unimportant details become vibrant, resonating with audiences as they highlight that life, in fact, is a collection of such minor thumps.

Dan Bakkedahl stars as Oliver's companion, an older friend whose life choices counterpoint Oliver's yet, at some point, also sympathize with him. Bakkedahl's deadpan humor adds another layer to the movie's character base, making it more layered and enjoyable. His friendship with Oliver becomes a noteworthy aspect of the film, making viewers introspect about relationships and their complexities.

In the mix is Rebecca Goldstein, who delivers a remarkable performance as Oliver's aunt. She embodies the character of a loving and caring, yet sometimes intrusive, relative whose concern for Oliver feeds into the audience's emotional response to the film. Goldstein skilfully manages to provide the necessary comic relief whilst also addressing the various personal and professional hurdles Oliver experiences throughout the film.

Four Dogs beautifully balances comedy and drama, never leaning too heavily into one genre. Each moment, whether it involves a laugh or a profound revelation about life, is carefully woven into this remarkable film. The film intricately illustrates the underbelly of Hollywood and captures the authenticity of struggling artists and the lives they lead behind the big screens. The movie goes beyond the mask of glamour that Hollywood is often associated with, slowly peeling off layers of the reel facade and revealing real struggles of an actor's life.

The winning point of Four Dogs is its simplicity. The film takes viewers on a journey into the lives of its characters through scenes and dialogues that are effortlessly natural, engaging, and heartfelt. It's an honest and unbiased portrayal of the everyday struggles of a regular individual, as it gently nudges the viewers to acknowledge, accept and appreciate life and all its beautiful mundanities.

With a remarkable cast, down to earth setting, and a balance between humor and solemnity, Four Dogs stands as a testament to the power of simple, profound storytelling. As the film rolls to an end, it leaves the audience with thought-provoking questions about life and the ways we choose to live it. All in all, Four Dogs is a must-watch film for both its compelling narrative and its ability to make viewers appreciate the charm of ordinary life.