Watch Local: ‘The Heart of the Beast’

In “Heart of the Beast,” a retired soldier finds the fight of his life in the Alaskan wilderness.

I don’t know if Brad Pitt is a good actor, but he is certainly a movie star. He has never worn his good looks comfortably. His best roles are always, if not undercutting how handsome he is, at least commenting on his attractiveness. He is captivating in stillness. Director David Fincher, of “Se7en” and “Fight Club” fame, was key in unlocking Mr. Pitt’s super power: being a character actor. He is much more interesting being just left of center frame. From there, he reliably draws your eye.

Apart from a memorable scene with the towering J.K. Simmons and a few war flashbacks, this is a true two-hander. A boy and his dog. Being a boy who happens to have a dog myself, this was a fastball right down the center of the plate for me. The deep connection we have with these loyal and sometimes silly creatures is beyond my vocabulary to describe. How many of us can handle violence against our fellow humans in film, but the second a filmmaker comes for our furry friends, we revolt? I’m certainly one. I’ll tear all the curtains down while pitching my righteous fit.

Here once again, Mr. Pitt finds himself in the supporting role to a German Shepherd named Odin. Odin is actually portrayed by four dogs. Chiefly by a retired search-and-rescue dog named Uber and his three sons Seeka, Ryker and Hondo filling in as his stunt doubles. Only Mr. Pitt has enough presence to draw your eye from this shepherd. With his battle scarred face, artificial leg and titanium teeth, he gives even your goodest boy at home a run for their money (please don’t read this to my goodest boy Sutter Cane). Can a non-human win a best actor Academy Award? If so, I can’t think of a more deserving actor this year.

Another clear stand out character is Alaska herself. The vistas shot in this film drew gasps from my chest. Putting a puddle-jumping airplane in a movie set in Alaska is a must. From the snow-capped peaks down to the thicket of lush undergrowth, the views make you realize you need a good friend in the travel industry.

The director here, David Ayer, is a director I’ve been on the fence about for quite some time. He made his name initially as a screenwriter. Right out of the gate he wrote “U-571”, a solid WWII submarine movie, “The Fast and the Furious” and the great “Training Day”. That is quite the start to a career. As he transitioned into the director’s chair, he has missed more than hit for me. In “The Heart of the Beast”, his tough guy style has matured into a ruminative, straightforward look at survival.

“Heart of the Beast” will be playing at our Tivoli October 2-4.

I’d like to take a moment to make a statement of intent for the “Watch Local” column. For you dear readers that have kept up with my few articles (and hopefully the many to come) you might be wondering if I like every movie I’ve ever seen. I have not. In fact, I can be quite cutting to what I dislike. And I’d happily wax poetic in person. My main goal with this column is to champion what is playing in our community. To help drive film appreciation, not dissuade theater attendance.

As always, thanks for reading.