Star-Studded Ensemble Western Drama 'The Power of the Dog' Explores Toxic Masculinity at the KCET Cinema Series on Nov. 16
Q&A immediately following screening with Oscar-winning writer/director/producer Jane Campion and cast members Benedict Cumberbatch, Kirsten Dunst, Kodi Smit-McPhee and film editor Peter Sciberras.
Written and directed by Oscar-winner Jane Campion, and based on the novel by Thomas Savage. In this Western, a domineering rancher responds with cruelty when his brother brings home a new wife and her son, until the unexpected comes to pass. Stars Benedict Cumberbatch, Jesse Plemons, Kirsten Dunst, Kodi Smit-McPhee, Thomasin McKenzie, Genevieve Lemon, Keith Carradine and Frances Conroy.
Reflecting on Cumberbatch’s character, Phil Burbank, Campion shared, “Phil’s style of masculinity, and the ethos of masculinity that is heralded in the cowboy world, it’s very romanticized. Cowboys are seen as being about the natural life, the simple life. However, the Burbanks had one of the wealthiest ranches in Montana. They wield a lot of power, and I think power is always the real issue. It comes through with women too, when they have power and how they choose to use it. Power is always it. And money is often power.”
Immediately following the screening, Deadline’s chief film critic Pete Hammond, who can also be seen on KCET’s Must See Movies, moderated a Q&A with Oscar-winning writer/director/producer Jane Campion, film editor Peter Sciberras, producer Tanya Seghatchian, and cast members Benedict Cumberbatch and Kodi Smit-McPhee.
Listen to the Q&A from the screening below.
The long-running in-person series returns in November to the historic Aero Theatre in Santa Monica, while the popular virtual series continues on Eventive, a technology platform designed specifically to enhance the online film viewing experience.