As a cinephile with decades of movie-watching under my belt, I must say that Naomi Watts‘ performance in “The Friend” is nothing short of extraordinary. Her ability to connect with Bing, the 145-pound Great Dane, is a testament to her versatility as an actress and her love for animals.
Naomi Watts has acted alongside some of the most prominent figures in filmmaking – Sean Penn, Viggo Mortensen, Leonardo DiCaprio, even King Kong. However, none of these esteemed co-stars compared to Bing, the 145-pound Great Dane she shares the screen with in “The Friend,” a drama about grief, creativity, and an enormous canine. This moving film will be screened at this year’s Toronto Film Festival.
The six-week journey to familiarize myself with Bing wasn’t just about giving him some treats; it required consistent interaction. Bill Berloni, the seasoned animal trainer, emphasized that I should meet Bing twice daily for 20 minutes each session. This was essential so I could learn to manage the large dog in the bustling streets of New York City, where “The Friend” was filmed.
At first, she questioned if it was essential, but then she acknowledged this thought. She’s a dog enthusiast and isn’t bothered by some hair or drool. However, she pondered whether their gatherings could be condensed to only once a day, lasting 40 minutes rather than splitting them up. But the peculiarity about Great Danes is that their large size makes them essentially couch potatoes, tiring quickly. As Watts puts it, “They tire easily.
However, their seemingly passive nature conceals a hidden strength. If Bing were to notice a squirrel or another dog, or become startled by a passing vehicle during filming, Watts could face difficulties. “He’s so docile,” she explains, “but if he were to suddenly dart in one direction unexpectedly, it could easily strain my arm beyond its limits.
In contrast to Bing’s adorable nature, “The Friend” delves into serious topics. The story revolves around Iris, portrayed by Dakota Johnson, who is a writing instructor. After her mentor Walter (played by Bill Murray) takes his own life, Iris is left with the responsibility of caring for Walter’s Great Dane, Apollo. However, her rent-controlled apartment has a strict no-pets policy and the landlord threatens eviction if she doesn’t give up Apollo to a shelter. This situation puts Iris in a tough spot. The challenge is intensified as Iris and Apollo have developed a bond, and Apollo appears to be grieving Walter too. Somehow, this dog has helped Iris cope with her friend’s death and find the courage to pursue her own creative aspirations.
The theme of grief is profound in “The Friend” and much of Michelle Pfeiffer’s acting work. In films such as “21 Grams,” “The Impossible,” and this year’s miniseries “Feud: Capote vs. the Swans,” many of her characters grapple with loss, remorse, and self-punishing regret that can be crippling. Pfeiffer believes she is attracted to such roles due to her personal history; her father, Peter Watts, passed away when she was just 8 years old.
She explains that her early loss has significantly impacted her, fostering an urge to find healing. The pain of grief leaves a lasting mark on one’s life.
However, Watts points out another optimistic thread running through her work, which she finds fascinating: “I’m equally drawn to films centered around friendships. It’s an aspect that isn’t given enough attention. We often delve into love and romance, but the strength of friendships is profound, and as we grow older, it becomes increasingly evident just how crucial these relationships are.
On her final day filming “The Friend,” Watts concluded a scene with Bing aboard a commuter train. As she prepared to drive home and part ways from the character and the project, it struck her that she wouldn’t be working with Bing anymore. There was a peculiar talent Bing possessed – he could sing on cue, as Watts imitates by barking sounds to illustrate. Consequently, Watts requested the driver to reverse course and return to set.
As a passionate movie-goer, I couldn’t help but dash off, rushing up the street to bid farewell. The melody I craved was essential for this poignant instant, and when I chanced upon Bing, my emotions overtook me completely, leaving me in a state of shattered pieces.
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2024-09-07 00:18