I bet you're dog isn't this behaved!

Selected Viewing: Selected Works Reel 6 by William Wegman [1975-1976, 19:38, ]

William Wegman is one-of-a-kind! Of the numerous viewings that I've seen of his, Two Dogs and a Ball, Drinking Milk (which we didn't view in class but is my personal Wegman fav), and Dog Biscuit in a Glass Jar stood out the most for me. The first two have a charming sense of care and warmth to them. I can feel the amount of love and fun that Wegman has with his dogs (I am assuming that Wegman used Man Ray and Fay Ray for the Two Dogs and a Ball segment). I've talked with other people about the videos and most replies range in the "These aren't films, but more of home videos," area. I can see why someone would create this notion but I see a much richer piece of work.

Two Dogs and a Ball (I don't think this is the real title due to what I've seen on Wegman's website) encapsulates the essence of what its like to own a dog. I could see Wegman really enjoying making this video. Two dogs sit in front of a camera while an unidentified object moves around the room. The object seems of great interest to the dogs, which in turn makes the audiences interest grow as well. My favorite part is when the dogs are looking backward and both turn their heads simultaneously in opposite directions at the same time in confusion or anticipation. It kills me every time. At the end, the audience is shown that the object of fascination is... a ball.

In Dog Biscuit in Glass Jar, the purpose is to watch this dog try to get a dog treat out of a glass jar. The bottle keeps sliding around as the dog paws at it, and the dog even attempts to pick the glass up with its mouth. The first time a watched this video, I remember thinking to myself "What if the bottle breaks, and the dog stabs itself in the face on the broken shards?" Sure enough the glass does break, and for a split second you see Wegman shift (the camera shifts) to go to the dog, but stops short. Does he entrust that the dog is smart enough not to hurt itself? I know its not from a lack of caring. Maybe he doesn't do anything because his project would be wasted? Regardless, there is a scene where the dog sticks his nose into the broken bottle, and it creeps me out. You don't need to know that, but it does.

I mentioned earlier another favorite of Wegman's videos as Drinking Milk. If you haven't seen it, check it out. The premise is confusing so keep with me. It involves... a dog... drinking milk... from a glass! Pure brilliance and quite funny! Again, if you can find it, check it out.

Check out William Wegman's website at www.williamwegman.com
The image you see at the top was stolen fair and square fromWegman's Website. It is a still taken from the Trio video, and can be viewed here or you can go to Wegman's website and check out his video section.

Currently listening to Iggy and the Stooges - I Wanna Be Your Dog.

Now, let me off my boxx.
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