The Call Of The Wild: A Whole New Adventure Of The Furry Kind

Prior to seeing the film, I was wondering why the choice to use a CG dog (powered by Motion Capture) for the film “The Call of the Wild” (based on the 1903 novel by Jack London) -and then I saw the movie, with all of edge of your seat action sequences and then I realized that the role would be impossible for a real life dog and that Buck (a 140 pound St.Bernard-Scotch collie mix) is some kind of an action star/dog himself.

The movement of the plot reminded me of the well loved children’s cartoons (Remi Nobody’s Boy/Girl, the girl version was my favorite). You know, the kind of plot where one tragedy after another befalls our hero/heroine or in this case canine hero.

Probably because its the kind of novels that came from that time period (Remi or “Sans Familie, a French novel was written in 1878). Don’t worry though since” Call of the Wild” has already been given the Disney treatment (considering 20th Century Fox, now 20th Century Studios is now under Disney). Complete with an almost cartoonish Beethoven look (the other famous St. Bernard) at the start of the film. I read the plot of the novel and it is so much darker. So I guess I won’t be picking that up to read, just to save myself from the heartache. The movie does a good job of condensing the plot, despite the changes.

Warning, there may be some triggers in the movie since the plot does tackle animal abuse. Although the camera would pan away from showing any actual harm done on the animals (relax, they’re CG) it could still pinch your heart and punch you in the gut and yes, maybe even make you cry. If you’re a softy like me.

Of course it is the journey of Buck which is what will draw audiences in the film. Admittedly that was the loudest that I have been in a cinema (Sorry!) – the movie was a rollercoaster ride! From loud “aaaaaaaaws” to shouts of “Aaaaahh!” and “Noooooo!” it was almost too stressful! We were all rooting for the CG dog, who somehow we have all fallen in love with. The movie does not rest on the CG shoulders of Buck alone, as Harrison Ford who plays John Thornton (and looks like a pretty scruffy dog himself and I mean that with the utmost respect and compliment) forms a special bond with Buck and in turn also captures the hearts of audiences as he deals with his own loss, grief and battle with alcoholism.

One of the things that I love about movies is getting to know stories like these, stories that are more than a hundred years old! Ironically there is no time lost in the themes and values which let us examine how we treat our pets and animals around us. Granted the working conditions of service dogs have improved greatly over the years. (I always find myself wanting to pet and hug a mall security dog but have to stop myself) There is definitely always more room for improvement in how we treat and relate with our furry friends.