Since its release in 1995, directorTodd Solondz’s coming-of-age comedyWelcome to the Doll Househas become an evergreen cult favorite. Now, the official follow up is coming, and it looks every bit as weird and wonderful as the first movie. Though we’re not sureWiener-Dogcan be called a direct sequel. The first trailer and poster have arrived. And if you love dogs, you don’t want to miss this.
From directorTodd Solondz,Wiener-Dogis a dark, starkly funny story of a single dog and the many different people she touches over her short lifetime.Man’s best friendstarts out teaching a young boy some contorted life lessons before being taken in by a compassionate vet tech named Dawn Wiener. Dawn reunites with someone from her past and sets off on aroad trip.
After leaving Dawn, Wiener-Dog encounters a floundering film professor. He also hooks up with an embittered elderly woman and her needy granddaughter. What these people all have in common is a longing for something more.Solondz’s perversely dark comedy offers an appallingly honest look at the American experience, brought to life by its all-star cast.
IfWiener-Dogseems familiar to some of you indie film fans, it may not be the Dawn Wiener connection that resides within. Way back in 1989, the French comedyBaxtertread on similar ground. That movie followed a white Bull Terrier named Baxter who is given to an elderly woman by her daughter. As time passes, the dog develops aggressive and murderous behavior in order to be adopted by another family. It is passed from owner to owner, until it ultimately comes to live with a young boy who believes he is Hitler reincarnated. That film, as you can see, had a decidedly different approach. Though this new movie doesn’t appear to be any lighter in tone.
Fans ofWelcome to the Doll Housemay be hugely disappointed to see that Heather Matarazzo has not returned to play Dawn Wiener. The actress was actually offered a chance to reprise the iconic role, but turned it down. Now, indie darlingGreta Gerwigwill take on the character made famous more than twenty years ago. Both actress are roughly the same age. It should be noted thatBrie Larson, who just won her first Best Actress Oscar, was also in the movie, but got cut out.
Todd Solondz not only directed this quasi-sequel destined to be acult comedyhit, he also wrote the screenplay.Megan EllisonandChristine Vachonare producing. The ensemble cast includesEllen Burstyn,Kieran Culkin,Julie Delpy,Danny DeVito,Tracy LettsandZosia Mamet.Wiener-Dogis in theaters June 24 from Amazon Studios and IFC Films. Check out the first poster and trailer courtesy ofApple Trailers.
