Melancollie Molly

Melancollie Molly?
No, I didn't.
OK, yes, I did.

Year of the Dog proved to be as funny and quirky as I had anticipated from the trailer. It also proved to be very disturbing, which I did not anticipate. Let's just say writer/director Mike White took some serious pressure off the crazy cat ladies of the world by introducing a crazy canine lady. Why he had to go there, I'm not sure. Not that it was wrong, just wrenching.

Third act bipolarization aside, the movie is full of delicious characterizations. Molly Shannon rules the roost as the alpha-dog of anxiety, portraying insecurity and confusion with a subtle sweetness that will break your heart in half. Definitely a dark horse Best Actress nominee.

As for the rest of the cast: Regina King sends off sparks as the office sidekick; potential boyfriend Peter Sarsgaard soft pedals it perfectly; obsessed boss Josh Pais winces impeccably; and brother and sister-in-law Thomas McCarthy and Laura Dern are hermetically sealed awesomeness.

Witnessing locked-off close-up after locked-off close-up of human imperfection perfected, it seems clear that White is an actor's director and keen-eyed observer of homo sapiens-specific foibles. He's a damn good writer, too.

So despite the emotional curve ball that swiftly kicks this film out of cozy romantic comedy land, two paws up for Year of the Dog.
No, I didn't.
OK, yes, I did.