Un homme et son chien

Big puppy eyes. This film really tries to get emotions out of the viewer like a cute German mutt begging for a piece of ham. Few scenes in it have natural inner strength like Belmond's magical encounter with Max von Sydow. Huster helps himself with (fortunately bearable) exaggeration and big gestures, which are partly at odds with his effort to direct airily, naturally and charmingly. In any case, despite the obvious fatigue and being worn out, Belmondo still manages to attract with a roguish smile and eyes in which life sparkles as happily as in the old days. Rombi's music is also good, which sometimes helps where the impression of a construct and emotional blackmail cannot be overcome. It pleasantly rounds the edges. The story about the bleakness of old age and how important it is to find at least a piece of solid ground in immeasurable despair is captivating as a result, and if we set aside our aversion to the fact that the film plays on our emotions, we can feel the tremors of something deeper. A Man and His Dog is certainly not great filmmaking, but this is nevertheless a pleasant film for fans of Belmond (and Sydow :o)). (19.05.2009)

Don't expect "Belmondo's Gran Torino", get ready for a very different kind of film. It's sad, slow and quiet. Just like Charles' age. It's also a film full of sad eyes - canine and human. I give it four stars, all of which are Belmondo's doing. The guy doesn't even have to act, he just has to be on the screen, exist in front of the camera, and that's it. (08.11.2009)