Watch Dogs in Space
- R
- 1986
- 1 hr 43 min
-
6.4 (1,385)
Dogs in Space is a 1986 Australian film that tells the story of a group of young musicians and artists living together in a boarding house in Melbourne in the late 1970s. The film explores their relationships, their creative pursuits and their struggles with drugs and partying. The lead musician in the group is played by Michael Hutchence, the frontman of the band INXS. Hutchence's character, Sam, is a charismatic and troubled musician who is struggling to hold onto his relationship with his girlfriend, played by Saskia Post. The couple's tumultuous relationship is a major theme of the film, as they each struggle with their own personal demons while trying to maintain their connection with each other.
The other members of the boarding house include a variety of colorful characters, including a drug dealer played by Nique Needles, a young woman trying to make it as a visual artist, and a young man who dreams of becoming a musician. These characters all have their own personal struggles, and the film explores their experiences with a mix of humor and pathos.
The film's title, Dogs in Space, comes from a reference to the NASA space program, which was ongoing during the time period when the film is set. This connection is made explicit in the film's opening sequence, which features clips of NASA astronauts preparing for a launch while the characters in the boarding house party and listen to music.
Throughout the film, there is a sense of chaos and anarchy, as the characters pursue their own desires and passions with little regard for anyone else. At times, the film is reminiscent of the drug-fueled excesses of movies like Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, although Dogs in Space has a more grounded, realistic feel.
The film's soundtrack is an eclectic mix of punk, new wave and post-punk music, reflecting the musical tastes of the characters in the film. Many of the songs were performed by members of the cast, with Hutchence contributing a number of tracks.
Overall, Dogs in Space is a dark and unsettling film that portrays a group of young people struggling to find their place in the world. Despite the film's many flaws, it is a poignant and memorable portrayal of a time and place that has long since passed.