Heart of a Dog
Director: Laurie Anderson
Actors: Laurie Anderson, Archie, Jason Berg
PlotThe film begins as Laurie recounts her experiences with her beloved rat terrier, Lolabelle. Through vignettes blending animation, home movies, and art, she delves into the themes of love, loss, and language. The narrative weaves between events in Lolabelle's life and broader cultural musings, reflecting on the post-9/11 world and the concept of surveillance. Meditative passages detail Lolabelle's surprising foray into painting and music after going blind, emphasizing the dog's resilience and adaptability. The relationship between Laurie and Lolabelle offers a poignant exploration of the bond between humans and their pets.
Intertwined with these personal stories are philosophical reflections influenced by Buddhist teachings and Laurie's mother’s death. As Laurie navigates grief, themes of memory and the afterlife surface, examined through a surreal and often poetic lens. The film shifts between dreamy, contemplative segments and more grounded, yet still evocative scenes ringing with nostalgia and introspection. The aesthetic blends multi-layered soundscapes with striking visuals, creating an atmospheric meditation on how we handle impermanence, mortality, and the lingering impact of our loved ones' lives—both human and animal.
Writers: Laurie Anderson
Release Date: 01 Mar 2016
Runtime: 75 min
Rating: Not Rated
Country: United States, France
Language: English
Home Video Reviews
Laurie Anderson's 'Heart of a Dog' merges intellectual rumination with artistic brilliance, featuring excellent video/audio from Criterion—highly recommended.
Read our review of Heart of a Dog Blu-ray to find out more