Jon Katz is close to burnout. He's a writer with writer's block; his wife has left for her sister's because he's emotionally distant; he rarely answers his phone. A kennel sends him a border collie that's undisciplined because of abuse. Despite a series of mishaps, Jon decides to keep trying with the dog, and he rents a dilapidated farm house to give the dog room to run. A local handyman refers Jon to a woman who might be able to help him train the dog. Reluctantly, Jon gives her a try. Is the dog the problem, or the owner?
Acting
Jeff Bridges makes midlife messiness look almost noble.
Direction
Lauren Ambrose brings warmth that balances Bridges' gruff withdrawal.
Director
George LaVoo
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Based on Jon Katz's real memoir; he actually became a border collie expert after this experience. The dog's name in real life was Devon.
This quietly predicted the 'sad man + difficult dog' subgenre that exploded with The Art of Racing in the Rain and Dog years later. Jeff Bridges was ahead of his time.
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