I was all ready to dislike Dog Meet Goose, partly because it has a daft name and partly because it opens with the rather pretentious text, ‘The following presentation was designed as a cinematic experience. Please consider dimming lights, using the best available sound, and watching in full screen’.
When a film gets passive-aggressive before it’s even started (although I’m sure the filmmakers didn’t view it that way), it doesn’t give the viewer much hope.
However the short itself surprises with some great characters and interesting ideas.
The brief synopsis says: ‘A troubled teen seeks help from his neighbor who has a secret.’
The teen knows that there are rumours and speculation about the older man, who’s on ‘the list’ and most people think he should therefore be avoided. The man is initially reluctant to have the teen around, knowing what people will say, but the younger guy says he needs someone to talk to, and as they do, they both reveal more about themselves and the picture gets ever more complex.
It’s an edgy film that sits on the cusp between what is acceptable and what isn’t, as well those things which are legal and aren’t, and whether those things always make perfect sense in the arena of sexuality. Some will find it somewhat disturbing, partly because its about a young man and a much older gent, and partly because it’s the younger person ‘grooming’ the older one in a way that gets to the edge of being a ephebophile’s (someone attracted to teenagers) fantasy.
Indeed overall Dog Meet Goose is difficult one that sits on the cusp of morality, not making judgements but asking a lot of questions of the audience, even if it goes a little over the top at the end. You can watch the full short film below.
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