Pets in Film

“Inside Llewyn Davis”  (2013) Inspired by the life of musician Dave Van Ronk, much has been made of the feline symbolism embedded in this road movie about a young folk singer named Llewyn, who struggles to make sense of himself while making something of his musical career in the New York winter of 1961.  A ginger tom joins…

“The Three Musketeers”  (1973) In what could be described as the best slapstick swashbuckling action picture ever, Richard Lester’s “The Three Musketeers” includes a hilariously elaborate set-piece where a chess match is played on a giant “board” with dogs and monkeys.  What could go wrong?  This entertaining classic also features an all-star cast that includes…

“Keanu”  (2016) If you’re a fan of Comedy Central’s “Key & Peele” and a lover of cats, get excited that the comedy duo have made a film in which they play two buddies trying to rescue a missing kitten from the seedy underworld of gangland Los Angeles.  Peels plays a hipster, Key plays a square and the world’s…

“The Jerk”  (1979) The first of four films on which comedy geniuses Steve Martin and Carl Reiner would collaborate, Martin plays the bumbling and loveable Navin Johnson in what may be the funniest movie ever made.  Right there beside Navin through all his rags-to-riches-then-back-to-rags adventures is the little dog he names Shithead, as clever and funny a…

“The Long Goodbye”  (1973) Based on Raymond Chandler’s 1953 novel, “The Long Goodbye” features Elliott Gould in the classic role of Philip Marlowe.  In this neo-noir version of Chandler’s yarn, a cat-loving detective is adrift in 1970s Hollywood.  His finicky feline, has been credited by some as having been played by legendary television tabby, Morris, but as the…

“Cat’s Eye”  (1985) Written by the master of horror, Stephen King, in this film a grey tabby cat is deployed to connect three unique stories.  As the cat searches for a girl in danger, it encounters an array of dubious characters such as a quack doctor, an insane millionaire and an devilish troll.  Co-starring Drew Barrymore and…

“Beethoven”  (1992) The first in a series of seven films featuring the giant St. Bernard named after the legendary composer, Beethoven is a light-hearted comedy that stars Charles Grodin, Bonnie Hunt, Stanley Tucci and Oliver Platt.  It also includes Joseph Gordon-Levitt feature film debut.  Directed by Brian Levant. read Michael Wilmington’s review here…

“Alien”  (1979) In this sci-fi horror classic, Sigourney Weaver’s ginger cat Jonesy is responsible for keeping the USCSS Nostromo a rodent free zone.  Jonesy’s job takes on an unexpected significance when a deadly extraterrestrial creature joins the crew uninvited.  Directed by Ridley Scott. read Vincent Canby’s review here…

“The Truth About Cats and Dogs”  (1996) In her first starring role, Janeane Garofalo plays a veterinarian turned radio talk show host, entangled in a plot based on the tale of Cyrano.  Her front woman and the target of her affection are played by Uma Thurman and Ben Chaplin, respectively.  Bringing it all home is a…

“The Drop”  (2014) A contemporary noir, “The Drop” is based on the short story “Animal Rescue” by author Dennis Lehane.  It features Tom Hardy as a solitary Brooklynite, changed by the magic of a puppy, and James Gandolfini in his final appearance in film.  Directed by Michaël R. Roskam. read Mark Feeney’s review here…