Isle of Dogs - Film Review
'Isle of Dogs' is directed by Wes Anderson and stars the voice talents of Bryan Cranston, Edward Norton, Bill Murray, Jeff Goldblum, Frances McDormand and many others. Set in the fictional city of Megasaki in Japan, all dogs are banished onto trash island, due to an illness outbreak. 12 year old boy Atari sets off onto the island to find his household dog Spots.
'Isle of Dogs' is, with no surprise, directed brilliantly by Anderson, with every shot in the film feeling meticulously crafted. His attention to the characters positioning is more than prevalent here as how each interaction feels highly stylised. The visuals and stop motion animation is truly incredible here with every dog feeling rough, rugged and rich with detail, down to every strain of hair. The lush and smooth camera work is very Anderson-esque, with everything in frame and long panning shots matching the speed of the characters walking. Technically, this film couldn't be more immaculate.
Voice talents across the board are great, in particular Bryan Cranston, Edward Norton and Bill Murray who are all spectacular with their voice work. Each of the character designs felt matched to their voice, almost made for the actors. The adventure with Atari and the dogs through trash island is very entertaining, and provides each dog with a distinctive personality, as well as their strong bond with Atari. The pure atmosphere of Megasaki City is wonderful and just presents a lovely aura with each of the scenes involving it, in contrast to trash island, while beautifully crafted, feels grubby and scruffy which is translated fantastically.
When a character was speaking in Japanese, there was either subtitles, or Frances McDormand's character as an interpreter who would speak over what was being said into English, and usually drowning out the Japanese language entirely. This was slightly off putting, and would have been an advantage for the film if only subtitles were provided. This as well takes away from the lovely Japanese atmosphere of the film, as well as its cultural nuances. The eventual finale of the film felt a tad rushed, with little leeway given, and in hindsight being slightly forgettable.
'Isle of Dogs' is a stunning piece of stop motion animation with frenetic energy, wonderful atmosphere and delightful characters. Aside from the Japanese monologues drowned out, and the slightly rushed third act, Anderson's craft is strong with this one, as a beautiful work of animation mastery.
'Isle of Dogs' - 81%
