Watch Pound

Pound, released in 1970, is a unique and remarkable film directed by Robert Downey Sr. The movie is a satirical examination of the life in a dog pound, where dogs, played by human actors, await their fate -- either adoption or euthanasia. The film explores the psychological and social struggles of the dogs through a satirical and symbolic lens.

The film stars primarily Joe Madden, James Green, and Mariclare Costello, but also features a number of other actors in supporting roles. The actors in the film are almost exclusively human but are dressed up in dog suits, which creates an interesting dynamic between the dogs, their human counterparts, and the audience. The film was shot on a shoestring budget, and much of it takes place in a single location, further emphasizing the rawness and intimacy of the story.

Despite its unusual premise and structure, Pound is a thought-provoking and profound film that forces the audience to reflect on themes of mortality, identity, and belonging. The film takes us into the lives of a variety of dogs who differ in breed and temperament, but who are all facing the same predicament. In the dog pound, they are stripped of their identities and reduced to mere numbers, waiting to be adopted - if they are lucky - or euthanized if they are not.

Throughout the film, we see how the dogs craft their own hierarchies and form alliances as a means of survival. The dogs are forced to confront their own mortality and the harsh reality of their situation, leading to a wide range of emotional reactions. Some dogs resign themselves to their fate, while others struggle to maintain their dignity or attempt to escape.

Additionally, the film satirizes the societal values and norms that lead to the existence of the dog pound - a place that one of the dogs aptly describes as "a concentration camp for mutts." The film raises thought-provoking questions about the value of life, the morality of euthanasia, and the impact of society on individual choices.

Despite being released over fifty years ago, Pound's themes and messages remain relevant today. The film exposes the oppressive structures and systems that govern our lives and questions whether our conception of ourselves is truly free or merely a construct.

In conclusion, Pound is a unique and provocative film that defies convention and challenges our perceptions of what it means to be human. It is a powerful reminder that the boundaries between species are often arbitrary and that our shared experiences of death and survival unite us all. The film is well worth watching for anyone interested in exploring the complexities of the human condition.