Jesse Plemons, the Oscar-nominated star of Benedict Cumberbatch and Kodie Smit-Mhee have already reacted to the seasoned actor’s criticism, but the director herself has so far remained quiet on the subject.
The Power Of The Dog is Campion's eighth feature film and, while set in 1925 Montana, was filmed in New Zealand, one of the elements with which Elliot took issue. The film highlights the rapid change that occurred in the early half of the 20th century and how it affected the traditional roots of the mid-west. Largely told from the perspective of Smit-Mchphee's character, Peter Gordon, the film tackles a different side of history and aims to challenges the "American Myth." It was this latter point that seemed to upset Elliot the most and, though commending the director and her work ("she's a brilliant director, by the way, I love her work, her previous work,"), he took offense to the story's alternative perspective.
While on the red carpet before a screening of his new film, Windfall, Plemons told The Hollywood Reporter that Elliot's comments "made him laugh." Like co-star Benedict Cumberbatch, Plemons mentioned that he had not actually listened to the comments and went on to say that people are entitled to have their own opinions. The film's cinematographer, Ari Wagner, echoed Plemons' reaction, commenting that Elliot's comments are a "really wonderful example of the point the film is trying to make." See Plemons full quote below:
"I laughed when I heard. I don’t know why. I haven’t listened to it so I’ve heard it from what people have told me. I know there’s some undertones to what he said, but I also feel like you don’t have to like the movie and that’s totally fine. Not everyone has to like it.”
Despite being active in the industry for more than 20 years and building up an impressive list of credits, Plemons has flown slightly under the radar for much of his career. His big break came with Friday Night Lights, which would lead to roles in popular series such as Breaking Bad and Fargo, and the actor has since held his own up against the heavy acting chops of Joaquin Pheonix in The Master and Al Pacino in The Irishman. But Plemons has also chiseled out a solid home for himself in the indie filmmaking world, starring opposite Molly Shannon in Other People back in 2016 and more recently, Jessie Buckley in I'm Thinking of Ending Things. The Power of the Dog marks his first Academy Award nomination.
Regardless of Elliot's opinions, The Power Of The Dog has racked up 12 Academy Award nominations and has received high acclaim for its unique take on the modern western genre. With Plemons' nomination being one of the 12, his success shows no signs of slowing down. Audiences will be able to see more of him soon in the new film Windfall, as well as the TV series Love and Death.
Source: THR
