Hangdog
by Rachel Willis
Though not obvious at first, it becomes apparent that all is not right with Walt’s (Desmin Borges) world in director Matt Cascella’s film, Hangdog.
Walt struggles to find work after leaving his job and moving to Portland, Maine with his smart, successful girlfriend, Wendy (Kelly O’Sullivan). Though their life from the outside seems fine, Walt doesn’t believe he’s good enough for Wendy. He often thinks she loves her dog, Tony, more than she loves him.
So, when Tony is stolen while under Walt’s care, his anxiety and desperation peak.
While the stolen dog is the centerpiece of the film, this is really an examination of how anxiety and depression affect everything in a person’s life. Walt does what he can to find Tony, hanging missing dog flyers, answering every call that may offer some piece of information.
The journey shows Walt’s declining mental health, but it also forces him to interact with others. Some of the people who reach out have no information, but they themselves need a connection of some sort.
Each character adds to the layered story, and none are without flaws. It reinforces to Walt (and the audience) that most of us are struggling or have struggled at some time in life.
Borges excels at portraying Walt as feeling very alone, even with a supportive girlfriend and others willing to reach out a hand. He skillfully conveys the isolation and depression that can make anyone feel worthless.
Cascella has crafted a touching, often funny film about the ways people deal with their personal failings and hang-ups. It’s easy to connect with Walt’s unhappiness, and feeling of uselessness. It’s impossible not to empathize with Walt.
And to make sure you don’t get too down while watching the film, there are a lot of funny people and one hell of a cute dog in the mix.