Dogtooth (2009)

Detailed Summary

The Isolated Household

“Dogtooth” begins by introducing an unnamed father (Christos Stergioglou), mother (Michele Valley), and their three adult children (Angeliki Papoulia, Mary Tsoni, Christos Passalis) who live in a secluded, fenced-in compound. The children are kept completely isolated from the outside world, with no knowledge of life beyond their home.

The Control and Conditioning

The parents use extreme methods to control and condition their children. They teach them a distorted version of reality, filled with false information. Words are given incorrect meanings (e.g., “sea” means “armchair”), and the children believe they cannot leave the property until they lose a “dogtooth.”

Introduction of Christina

The father occasionally brings in Christina (Anna Kalaitzidou), a security guard from his workplace, to satisfy the son’s sexual needs. Christina’s interactions with the children slowly introduce elements of the outside world, creating cracks in the parents’ control.

The Influence of Outside Objects

Christina gives the eldest daughter, known as “Older Daughter,” VHS tapes of films like “Rocky” and “Jaws.” These tapes become pivotal in her growing curiosity and desire for independence. She mimics the actions of characters, leading to further disruptions in the family’s controlled environment.

The Violent Outbursts

As the children’s curiosity grows, so does their rebellion. The parents respond with increasing brutality. The father beats Older Daughter after discovering the tapes, further emphasizing his oppressive control.

The Climax: Escape Attempt

Older Daughter becomes determined to escape. She breaks her own dogtooth with a dumbbell, believing it to be the key to freedom. She hides in the trunk of her father’s car, hoping to be taken beyond the compound.

Movie Ending

The film ends ambiguously. The father drives to work the next day, unaware that Older Daughter hides in the trunk. The final shot lingers on the trunk, leaving viewers uncertain about Older Daughter’s fate and whether she will achieve freedom or face capture again.

Are There Post-Credits Scenes?

No, “Dogtooth” does not have any post-credits scenes.

Type of Movie

This film is a psychological drama with strong elements of horror and satire. It explores themes of control, power, and the distortion of reality.

Cast

• Christos Stergioglou as Father
• Michele Valley as Mother
• Angeliki Papoulia as Older Daughter
• Mary Tsoni as Younger Daughter
• Christos Passalis as Son
• Anna Kalaitzidou as Christina

Film Music and Composer

The film features a minimalist score composed by Yannis Veslemes. The music enhances the unsettling and surreal atmosphere of the film.

Filming Locations

• Athens, Greece: The team shot the film entirely in a suburban house in Athens, which contributes to the claustrophobic and isolated feel.

These locations were essential in creating the film’s sense of entrapment and disconnection from the outside world.

Awards and Nominations

• Cannes Film Festival: Won Un Certain Regard Prize.
• Academy Awards: Nominated for Best Foreign Language Film.
• European Film Awards: Nominated for Best European Film.

Behind the Scenes Insights

• Director Yorgos Lanthimos kept the actors isolated from outside influences during filming to enhance their performances.
• The film’s disturbing and unusual content led to mixed reactions, with some festivals initially hesitant to screen it.

Inspirations and References

• Dystopian Themes: Inspired by dystopian literature and films, exploring the extremes of parental control and isolation.
• Psychological Experiments: References to real-life psychological experiments on conditioning and control.

Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes

No widely known alternate endings or significant deleted scenes exist for this film. Lanthimos intentionally crafted the ambiguous ending.

Book Adaptations and Differences

“Dogtooth” is not based on a book but shares thematic similarities with works exploring isolation and authoritarian control.

Memorable Scenes and Quotes

Key Scenes

• The Dogtooth Breaking: Older Daughter breaking her own tooth as a symbolic act of rebellion.
• The VHS Tapes: Older Daughter’s discovery of the VHS tapes and her reaction to them.
• The Final Scene: The lingering shot on the car trunk, leaving the audience in suspense.

Iconic Quotes

• “A bad child will be punished and then they’ll learn their lesson.”
• “The best place on Earth is where you feel safe.”

Easter Eggs and Hidden Details

• The use of VHS tapes as a symbol of external influence and the corrupting power of media.
• The distorted language taught to the children, which reflects the parents’ manipulation of reality.

Trivia

• The film was shot in just a few weeks on a very limited budget.
• The title “Dogtooth” refers to the idea of losing one’s baby teeth as a rite of passage, twisted into a bizarre and controlling rule by the parents.
• Director Yorgos Lanthimos is known for his unconventional and often disturbing films.

Why Watch?

“Dogtooth” is a thought-provoking and unsettling exploration of control, manipulation, and the human psyche. It offers a unique and disturbing cinematic experience that challenges viewers’ perceptions of reality.

Director’s Other Movies

• The Lobster (2015)
• The Killing of a Sacred Deer (2017)
• The Favourite (2018)
• Alps (2011)

Recommended Films for Fans

• The Lobster (2015)
• The Killing of a Sacred Deer (2017)
• We Need to Talk About Kevin (2011)
• Funny Games (1997)
• Antichrist (2009)