Chilling, brooding, low key adaptation of the extraordinary Ken Greenhall/Jessica Hamilton novel about an evil, cynical bull terrier (Baxter) who moves from owner to owner (killing as he goes) until he finds the Master of his dreams, a small boy with Third Reich ambitions. Just as Hamilton's novel, 'Elizabeth', examined the nature and allure of evil, so does "Baxter". As the novel was narrated by the dog, so is this film. The voice-over, in fact, is that of an old, mean-spirited man whose tone is one of despair and malice.
Director Jerome Boivin creates a bleak world for Baxter to exist in, a world the dog slips quite easily into. Baxter, like many creatures, has a talent for altering his demeanor to suit the moment or Master's needs. He is occupied with doggy pursuits also, of course, but, at heart, he is an opportunist who feels nothing but contempt for four- and two-legged animals.
The score, by Marc Hillman and Patrick Roffé, is extremely spare. At times, we hear only a strange "blip" or single, resonating note on the soundtrack. Cinematography by Yves Angelo has a reddish, saturated interior tint and a bluish exterior one. Performances are measured and fascinating. Lise Delamare as Madame Deville makes an impression.
The overall tone of "Baxter" is disturbing and some viewers will be upset by the brutal (faked, of course) animal cruelty. The film is devoid of light, but rich in atmosphere, suspense and revelation. A scene involving a baby in jeopardy is powerful and unnerving.
A minor masterpiece.
Director Jerome Boivin creates a bleak world for Baxter to exist in, a world the dog slips quite easily into. Baxter, like many creatures, has a talent for altering his demeanor to suit the moment or Master's needs. He is occupied with doggy pursuits also, of course, but, at heart, he is an opportunist who feels nothing but contempt for four- and two-legged animals.
The score, by Marc Hillman and Patrick Roffé, is extremely spare. At times, we hear only a strange "blip" or single, resonating note on the soundtrack. Cinematography by Yves Angelo has a reddish, saturated interior tint and a bluish exterior one. Performances are measured and fascinating. Lise Delamare as Madame Deville makes an impression.
The overall tone of "Baxter" is disturbing and some viewers will be upset by the brutal (faked, of course) animal cruelty. The film is devoid of light, but rich in atmosphere, suspense and revelation. A scene involving a baby in jeopardy is powerful and unnerving.
A minor masterpiece.