‘The Power of the Dog’ Artisans Ratcheted Up Film’s Tension
Karen Idelson Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Jane Campion, Netflix’s award-winning Western “The Power of the Dog” is set in Montana in 1925. Campion assembled a crew of accomplished artisans to craft her stark vision of a cattle rancher, George Burbank (Jesse Plemons), who brings home a new wife, Rose (Kirsten Dunst), only to have his brother Phil (Benedict Cumberbatch) mock and taunt her.These four featurettes explore the artistry behind the film’s cinematography, production design, editing and sound, all of which were vital in shaping the drama’s story and tone. CinematographyBefore production began, cinematographer Ari Wegner spent an entire year working with Campion to develop a slow-moving visual style designed to draw out tension and conflict between the characters.“Color was one of the big early conversations,” says Wegner.