How Netflix’s ‘The Power of the Dog’ became an Oscars powerhouse
Director Jane Campion made her history-making return to the big screen after 12 years with “The Power of the Dog,” earning a leading 12 nominations for the 2022 Oscars. The Benedict Cumberbatch-led drama also stars real-life couple Jesse Plemons and Kirsten Dunst, with a scene-stealing standout turn from Kodi Smit-McPhee. All four actors earned nominations this year.
The film, described by Times film critic Justin Chang as “a psychological thriller in the guise of a western, and possibly a love story in the guise of a psychological thriller,” also boasts nominations for cinematography (making director of photography Ari Wegner only the second woman ever nominated in that category), directing, film editing, original score, best picture, production design, sound and adapted screenplay.
As chronicled by The Times, “The Power of the Dog” began its journey to awards season success by screening at all four key fall film festivals — it world premiered at the Venice Film Festival and also played Telluride, Toronto and New York. Despite its early status as the “movie to beat” this awards season, the film has hit some stumbling blocks along the way. If it wins the best picture Oscar, it would be the first film from streaming behemoth Netflix to ever receive the honor.
- 1
Maggie Gyllenhaal’s “The Lost Daughter” and Jane Campion’s “The Power of the Dog” are Netflix titles that benefit from big-screen exposure at Telluride.
- 2
Kirsten Dunst, Jesse Plemons and Kodi Smit-McPhee co-star in this superlative Netflix adaptation of Thomas Savage’s novel.
- 3
With Netflix’s “The Power of the Dog,” Jane Campion is enjoying her most celebrated film in years. And the long journey makes it all the sweeter.
- 4
Maybe ease up on your hatred of Phil Burbank just a little, the actor asks. There are things about the man that should be celebrated.
- 5
Kirsten Dunst discusses her dream of working with Jane Campion, acting opposite her partner Jesse Plemons and surviving depression.
- 6
We didn’t see that ‘Power of the Dog’ ending coming. Neither did Kodi Smit-McPhee, the actor at its center.
- 7
Many have failed to adapt Thomas Savage’s 1967 novel ‘The Power of the Dog.’ Jane Campion was perfect for it; both author and director deserve adulation.
- 8
The western tends to be macho fare, akin to the gangster movie in the genre universe. But love takes many forms out on the prairie.
- 9
Ari Wegner kept her camerawork simple and nonjudgmental for the taut psychological meditation on secrets, repression and misdirected rage.
- 10
“Even in terms of using a pale pink, even if it’s on a threadbare dress at the Red Mill. There’s a femininity, but she’s also very practical, very capable.”
- 11
How a Southern California shopping spree helped production designer Grant Major and set decorator Amber Richards turn a slice of New Zealand into 1925 Montana.
- 12
Filmmaker Jane Campion shares what the Oscar recognition means to her, Benedict Cumberbatch staying in character and crafting her custom hat.
- 13
Sci-fi epic “Dune” has won five prizes and dark Western “The Power of the Dog” has been named best film at the British Academy Film Awards
- 14
The “Power of the Dog” director was praised and criticized for remarks she made at awards shows over the weekend.
- 15
Jane Campion digs deep on all the attention her film has received.
