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The Dog

Name: The Dog
Director: Allison Berg, François Keraudren
Released: 2013
Duration: 100 min

Representation Score

8.9/10

Excellent

2013

Director

Allison Berg, François Keraudren

Runtime

100 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

The Dog is a significant historical document that centers on the lived experiences of queer individuals during a period of social tension. By focusing on John Wojtowicz’s efforts to fund his partner’s transition, the film explores the systemic barriers faced by non-assuming gender matches what was assigned at birth identities. While the film excels in its exploration of LGBTQ+ history and cultural subversion, it does not fully address the intersection of race and ethnicity within the primary narrative. Additionally, the film does not specifically address physical or neurodivergent disabilities. Ultimately, the documentary succeeds in portraying identity-driven rebellion, challenging traditional views of criminality and highlighting the restrictive social and medical landscapes.

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Category Breakdown

Does The Dog have LGBTQ+ representation?

Excellent

The film focuses on the experiences of a queer individual and provides a historical look at the intersection of queer desire and systemic barriers to gender-affirming care.

How does The Dog portray gender?

Good

The narrative challenges traditional gender roles by emphasizing the importance of gender transition. The character of Wojtowicz’s mother is portrayed as supportive despite the absence of patriarchal structures.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Dog?

Fair

Set in 1972 Brooklyn, the story highlights a diverse urban environment. However, the narrative ability to act remains centered on the specific queer community rather than a broader racial context.

How does The Dog represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The documentary criticizes traditional Western institutions by presenting a bank robbery as a fight against an oppressive status quo. It emphasizes subjective morality over standard legal and economic norms.

Does The Dog include disability representation?

Fair

The film does not focus on physical or neurodivergent disabilities but addresses the social barriers faced by those who do not conform to traditional gender norms.

Present on Screen

Provides a rare historical perspective on the intersection of queer desire and systemic medical barriers.
Offers a nuanced portrayal of maternal support through the character of Terry.
Challenges traditional Western institutions by framing subversive actions as a struggle for autonomy.

Limited or Absent

Lacks explicit documentation of racial and ethnic diversity within the primary narrative.
Does not address specific physical or neurodivergent disabilities.

Official Synopsis

In 1972, John Wojtowicz attempted to rob a Brooklyn bank to pay for his lover’s sex-change operation. The story was the basis for the film Dog Day Afternoon. The Dog captures John, who shares his story for the first time in his own unique, offensive, hilarious and heartbreaking way. We gain a historic perspective on New York's gay liberation movement, in which Wojtowicz played an active role. In later footage, he remains a subversive force, backed by the unconditional love of his mother Terry, whose wit and charm infuse the film. How and why the bank robbery took place is recounted in gripping detail by Wojtowicz and various eyewitnesses.

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