Myths of masculinity
The Power of the Dog marks the return of Jane Campion to feature film-making 12 years aft er her last theatrical movie, Bright Star. It has been rapturously praised by critics around the world, winning Campion the Silver Lion for best director at the Venice Film Festival, and being touted as a likely Oscar contender at the Academy Awards. In addition, it has drawn career-defining performances from two already celebrated actors, Benedict Cumberbatch and Kirsten Dunst, and a rising star, Kodi Smit-McPhee.
This is Campion’s first film to focus on a male in the lead role, whereas previously she has been associated with films that centre on a female protagonist and show her experience from a woman’s point of
