Wiener-Dog (2016)

DVD CASE/SIDE

Length of film:  88 Minutes

Rated: 15

Genre: Comedy, Drama

Director: Todd Solondz

Starring: Greta Gerwig, Kieran Culkin, Julie Delpy, Danny DeVito, Ellen Burstyn, Tracey Letts, Zosia Mamet

IMDB Rank: 5.9 /10

Part 1 Time:  44 Minutes

Part 2 Time:  44 Minutes

Where does the first part end? Dawn Wiener (Greta Gerwig) and Brandon (Kieran Culkin) drive together contemplating what is next for their relationship as they leave Duty (the wiener-dog) with Brandon’s brother Tommy (Connor Long).

Final line of dialogue on the first part:  “…and then?” Dawn Wiener asks Brandon.

First line of dialogue on the second part:  “See at first I really wanted to get the Green Hornet and the Green Lantern together in a movie, it’s never been done.” Warren (Charlie Tahan), speaks to Dave Schmerz (Danny DeVito), about a possible film idea.

How jarring is it when the first part ends? Minimal, after having a very chaotic start as a puppy Duty (the wiener-dog) seems to be in a loving home with Brandon’s brother Tommy. Will this be Duty’s final home?

Which part is better? The film is split in two parts documenting the wiener-dog’s life as a puppy and then as an adult. Part one is far more emotional as the wiener-dog faces a dysfunctional family and a near death experience that really pulls on your heartstrings. In part two, the wiener-dog takes more of a supporting role as the owners and their problems become the focal point of the film. Part one is significantly better as it focuses more on the wiener-dog rather than the owners.

Academy Awards: None