Director: Stephen Gaghan
Starring: Robert Downey Jr., Michael Sheen and Ralph Fiennes
‘A Captivating Family Drama’
Not many stars have made films audiences treasure like Robert Downey Jr. Ever since his rise to recognition in the 1990’s, RDJ has become a beloved icon. Whether it is bold political leaders, starkly rich billionaires or strong news reporters, Robert Downey Jr. has portrayed many characters. Arguably, Robert Downey Jr.‘s finest strength as an actor has always been his commemorated commitment to his craft. He is one of those actors that has commonly had aptitude for stealing a show in supporting roles which have limited screen time. Although he is best known for his role as Iron Man in the MCU, RDJ has suggested he can excel in every genre. Through his abilities to portray powerful characters that are compelling, RDJ has established a legacy that’s lasting. Throughout a long lasting career, RDJ has appeared in memorable movies which are absolutely worth talking about without any doubt.
I’m a huge fan of RDJ and adore all the films he has made in his career. However, he has not often made great films that are worth seeing. “Dolittle” is an example. Released in 2020, Stephen Graham’s film offered fun but flawed portraits of veterinarian doctors. Packed with strong production design, strong storytelling and bold acting, it’s a well made family drama. At the centre of it all is a bold performance by Robert Downey Jr., who portrays a vet doctor facing disaster. Although “Dolittle” is a fun drama, it isn’t a flawless film. It’s overlong, and suffers from a lack of strong character development. Nevertheless, it offers engaging entertainment that would satisfy fans of family dramas.
“Dolittle” tells the story of an eccentric vet that seeks to take care of animals that are painful. Robert Downey Jr. portrays Dr. John Dolittle, a veterinarian that has always been fond of taking care of animals. Dolittle lives a lonely life in his manor alongside animals for company. However, Dolittle’s life forever changes when he embarks upon an intense adventure. As his favourite animals in world suddenly go missing, Dolittle questions if his dreams in life are worth pursuing. Facing a dilemma, Dolittle questions if ifs possible to achieve goals in a profession that requires great stamina.
Stephen Gaghan is a newcomer toward the stories of veterinarians. Before he had made “Dolittle”, Gaghan had never made a movie about vets before. It was the director’s first attempt to capture the lives of veterinarians facing adversity but he succeeded. Through stunning cinematography, Gaghan captures a veterinarian embarking upon a journey to find his identity. Inspired by Milos Forman’s “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest”, Gaghan uses point of view shots to capture tensions that veterinarians are facing. For instance, POV shots enhance the animals caretaking scene. During this unforgettable scene, Dr. Dolittle faces tensions struggling to care for animals in his mansion. Using breathtaking point of view shots, Gaghan crafts a portrait of bold animal caretakers that’s compelling. POV shots are tricky. As Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer” suggested, POV shots often elevate biopics about bomb inventors. That being said, it works immensely. Using strong visuals, Gaghan captures hardships animal caretakers are facing.
Another admirable aspect of “Dolittle” that merits appreciation is the production. From a technical perspective, the film is extremely well made. Recalling Ang Lee’s “Life of Pi”, Gaghan effectively uses the production of zoos to capture tensions which animals are facing. For instance, the production of zoos elevates the animals escape scene. During this unforgettable scene, Dolittle endures tension when he discovers that his animals have escaped from his mansion. Through stunning set-design, Gaghan captures the tension of animals experiencing a decline. Moreover, the musical score is magnificent. Danny Elfman’s music is key to success of the film. It gives the film tense atmosphere capturing the heavy burden which animals bear. Through stunning production, Gaghan captures the lives of animal caretakers that face tension.
One appreciates amazing performances.
Robert Downey Jr. delivers one of his best career performances as Dr. Dolittle. RDJ first achieved appreciation for portraying starkly wealthy heroes in comic book films. With “Dolittle”, however, he took upon his most complex role. It isn’t easy to portray a veterinarian that seeks to care for animals facing adversity, but he succeeds. This is the actor unlike you’ve ever seen him in the past before: intense, hilarious and charming in his most memorable role. It’s a role that gave the actor a rare chance to showcase his sharp sense of humour. It’s a powerful performance from one of the most beloved actors working today.
While the move is mainly a strong showcase for Robert Downey Jr., the supporting cast is amazing and worthy of recognition. Michael Sheen is magnificent, capturing the routine of a courageous doctor seeking to be seen. Ralph Fiennes is remarkable, capturing the charismatic nature of an animal that faces a devastating decline. Lastly, Jim Broadbent is worthy of appreciation. As a bold lord, he brings wisdom to the movie.
Despite its extraordinary performances, however, “Dolittle” can’t quite honour a veterinarian that’s special. If there’s a shortcoming to the movie, it lacks strong storytelling. Gaghan’s choice to focus on spectacle of animals is bold but it hinders the storytelling. Due to this faulty decision, scenes focusing on Dolittle’s adventures in the field of veterinarians aren’t as engaging as his animal caretaking. Moreover, the film lacks a compelling ending. It’s a formulaic conclusion without a satisfying conclusion. Whereas this ending elevated Jon Favreau’s “Iron Man”, it clashes with the tone of this film. Therefore, “Dolittle” can’t demonstrate animals that are special.
Nevertheless, fans of Robert Downey Jr. will enjoy “Dolittle” and so would audiences that seek exhilarating entertainment. A fun but flawed family drama, it honours an actor with charisma.
Nearly 5 years after the release of an iconic film about animal caretakers experiencing obstacles that are painful, it’s a remarkable reminder of an actor that has established a successful career by making unforgettable films that audiences consider special.
3/5 stars
The Film Buff 