My Life as a Dog (Mitt liv som hund, 1985) was directed by the now popular Lasse Hallström who is now know for Cedar House Rules (1999)and What's Eating Gilbert Grape (1993). I recently watched this movie as part of my Intro to Film class here at Ole Miss. I had mixed feelings about the film, but do respect what Hallström was trying to convey. I may not love it, but I did enjoy watching it and respect it for its content.
My Life as a Dog is a "coming of age" or a "Bildungsroman" which means "building of character." Ingemar (Anton Glanzélius)is heard in the opening of this film talking about the dog, Laika, which was sent in outer space by the Russians and left to starve. Throughout the film, Hallström uses voice-overs to convey Ingemar's reflecting. Ingemar continually recaps tragedies that have happened in the news to make him feel better about his life and problems. We here him talk about Laika, a train wreck, a man pierced by a javelin, and several other news events. Ingemar does use the story of Laika repeatedly which aids to the title of the film.
One other set of flashbacks we are shown are ones in which Ingemar is remembering happy times with his mother (Anki Lidén). The memories are at the lake as he is telling her a story. She is laughing at his antics with a golden light wrapping around her and the scene. Ingemar is reflecting on how his mother would love to hear the stories of his adventures and wanting to make her laugh like that again.
After the opening scene about Laika we are taken to a room where a boy, we later learn is Ingemar's older brother, is teaching a group about "sex." To demonstrate he makes Ingemar as a visual aid. Moments later a mother comes in and breaks up the demonstration. She helps Ingemar and then goes to tell his mother what had happened. Ingemar's mother questions him saying, "Why do you do these things?" After a few minutes of talking with his mother, Ingemar ends the conversation with, "I guess it was the menopause." This is the first in many examples we are shown that depict Ingemar's innocent in the adult world. Throughout the film we see him flounder when any adult situation arises, but in the end he has finally gained an understanding of his own sexuality.
The second "coming of age" Ingemar is presented with is the acceptance and understanding of death. Early on, we learn that Ingemar's mother is very sick. Ingemar and his brother, Erik (Manfred Serner), are sent to relatives homes for the summer so that their mother can get better. At this time, Ingemar is told his dog, Sickan, is to be taken to a kennel. He questions throughout the film when he will see his dog until we are finally told the dog had been put down. This revelation for Ingemar also coincides with the death of his mother. Both of who we know Ingemar loves very much.
The third instance that refers to the title comes from two situations. First, when Ingemar first arrives at his Uncle Gunnar's (Tomas von Brömssen) and his uncle is barking on all fours at Aunt Ulla (Kicki Rundgren). Ingemar joins in following until his aunt and uncle enter their bedroom and shut the door. Secondly, happens towards the end of the film. One of the girls of the town in fighting with Saga (Melinda Kinnaman), the tom boy, over Ingemar. Because of the stress and misunderstanding of the situation, Ingemar falls to all fours and begins barking like a dog. This goes on for a few scenes until the near end of the film.
My Life as a Dog has sentiment, but is not too sentimental. Meaning, the moment we think their will be an overload on sentiment, Hallström breaks the tension with some sort of comedy. If it is a Saturday afternoon and this comes on, I would recommend seeing it once. As for me, one viewing was enough. The subtitles alone are reason enough for me to not try to see this again. All in all though this is not a bad film, but I wouldn't say I'd own it. I personally am just not a fan of most foreign film, but I do respect the integrity and cinematography which was shown. If you enjoyed What's eating Gilbert Grape you will most likely enjoy this film. If not, I'd be cautious.
Twelve-year-old Ingemar (Anton Glanzlius) has a life far too complex for a kid his age. His beloved mother (Anki Liden), once soft and loving, is now ...More at Meijer
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