kgb_101
An interesting look at a house of drughead punks/homeless types in late 1970s/early 80s Australia (someone said Melbourne eh? That'd figure...certainly wasn't Brisbane! :-) ) Kinda like the Sid and Nancy of Oz, including the bittersweet ending. Although it's been years since I saw this film, and it's not available anywhere in the States (although I did see a copy in a Sydney video rental place...anyone wanna sell me one?) I distinctly recall Michael Hutchence's gloomy smackhead character experiencing THE most realistic acid trip at a party I've ever seen on film (and trust me, that's sayin something). Pretty plot less, yes, but worth it just for that scene.
triple8
The way, I figure it, Dogs in Space is less a movie with an ultimate resolution to the story, and more a celebration of a lifestyle and time period, many lived and loved. I am not sure(don't quite remember) how I came to see this but I think I rented it which just shows it was findable, at that time anyway.I can't, if I am being honest say I loved this movie but I will say it had a strong pull and I have no trouble seeing why someone else would love it. Anyone who has lived through and loved the Punk movement should probably see this(if they can find it.) I cannot say everyone will love it but it is a movie that will appeal to those, who have the ability to relate to it.One of my Main problems with Dogs in Space isn't the lack of structure or plot, it is the fact that despite the positives, I was bored when Michael Hutchence wasn't on the screen. He was so good that he overshadowed everything else. That's the way it was for me anyway.I do wish that movies like this were still made(perhaps they are and I just can't find them.) I can appreciate movies that may reach few, but will deeply affect those they do reach. The 80's were a wonderful time period, and many interesting obscure films came out from then. This movie seems to have somewhat of a following which is nice, though I didn't love it, I can appreciate it and if one were to view it now, it probably would make someone wonder, where are these types of movies now? My vote is 6.5 out of 10 for the movie and 10 for certain elements such as atmosphere and certain performances. A must see for any punk rockers, fan of Inxs, or people with a taste for the offbeat.
catgrin
This is one of my favorite movies, but for personal - not cinematic - reasons.During high school I lived without parents, and frequently my house resembled the house in the pic. It was filled with teens and early twenty-somethings who were trying to either get the hang of standing alone as adults or ignoring the fact that they'd passed childhood up altogether.Most people may not realize that the movie gives a fairly accurate description of that (sur)reality. It may seem shallow or pretentious, and it may lack in "deep" plot twists and turns. The thing is, at that age, and in that type of life you live without worrying about the next day because it's just too big a concern to deal with. Most will never live, or think/feel this way.On the cinematic side: the movie is not for someone sitting down to "view a good book." It's more a chance to turn off higher functions and experience another side of the world (not just Australia, but the time period and lifestyle). It's also important to note that this is not a Hollywood "teen" or "young adult" comedy - it's a drama with a lot of nonsense included, because that's what life is like.It really is a shame that the movie isn't more widely available. I still own it from the original release, and only one of the rental stores (family owned) in my area has a copy. I'm sure it would more than meet the price to release to DVD. (I'm certain that a double disk including the original soundtrack would actually sell quite well!)If you find it, watch it.
mrskunk
This is one of my absolute favorite movies. It has an incomparable depth, and each layer of dialogue is intense and perfect in its own right. It is perhaps one of the most "real" movies I have seen.
AD
