MovieChat Forums > Tracks (2014) Discussion > Does the dog die in the movie?

Does the dog die in the movie?

posted 10 years ago by cherrysk
22 replies | jump to latest

I read TRACKS two decades ago when I was in college and loved it so much I bought copies for all my friends (even when I lived in Russia as an exchange student I bought the Russian version for all my friends there - but that translation was just awful).

But here's my question; do they show the dog diggity dying of poisoning in the movie? If so, I'm not sure I can actually go see it. For some reason I just can't take seeing animals in pain/getting hurt/dying etc. on screen even though I know it's only a movie. I had to walk out of Coen Bros. Rooster Cockburn because of the awful scene of the horse being run to its death.

Thank you in advance for answering my question.

[–] LifeVsArt 10 years ago

SPOILERS - SPOILERS

Since, you read the book, as I did, I would say they basically show it in the film exactly as it was depicted in the book - it's very powerful, but it's done with great truth and sensitivity. Not only did I not find the film a letdown from the book, which I love, I thought it explored some elements in almost a deeper way. It
doesn't have that great writer's voice of Robyn Davidson (there's minimal narration at the beginning) but without words, by using visuals, sound, editing and great acting, it gives you almost a direct experience of the journey. I highly recommend the movie - you can always close your eyes during the Diggity scene, it doesn't last very long, but as you know, it's important to the story. The film is very honest.

[–] SwingBatta 10 years ago

(Spoilers.)

It's a very jarring scene, not so much because of an animal dying but because Diggity was probably Robyn's one true friend in the world she felt she had, and just like that he was gone. Strychnine was used as bait to kill wild dingoes and he happened to come across one of the baits.

I knew it was coming because I'd read about it a year in advance, but had no idea it was at night, which jacked up the tension tenfold. I came this short of crying during the scene.

You four-eyed psycho.

[–] LifeVsArt 10 years ago

(possible spoilers)

It was very emotional. I've seen the film twice now, and both times about half way in, well before even the Diggity scene, the tears started coming, seemingly on there own - I wasn't even sure what it was on the screen that was producing them. I think it's not so much individual events as an overall deepening of emotional tone where both the environment and Robyn's spirit are joined and exposed.

[–] [deleted] 2 years ago

it was sad.

[–] cherrysk 10 years ago

Thanks for the reply. I might not be able to go see the film then.
My dog is my best friend and I remember very vividly when Diggity was poisoned, Robyn scooped him up and whirled him around in the air trying to get him to vomit out the poison, but it was just too late - a terrible terrible death.

Again, thanks for this info.

[–] thalinrpg 10 years ago

You should see it. I lost my dog last year so anything like this hits me hard too, but it was over fairly quickly and it's edited in cuts rather than focusing on the dog too much.

And ignore mikeyflatley, I remember him doing this years ago on the boards. I see nothings changed.

[–] dxben99 10 years ago

But he is right. Not watching a movie because an animal dies in it is outright stupid. Well, it's the OP's loss. The movie is really good.

[–] andyd-1 10 years ago

yes but you looked after your dog. You didn't kill it by taking it on a lunatic 'search for myself' trek in the desert!

[–] pure11 8 years ago

Exactly!

[–] jofg899 8 years ago

Really? That's what you think? Wow.....

[–] neverstandinalone (641) 7 years ago

IMO, films based on books fall short, and is why I read the books first. Please don't miss seeing this film because Diggity's death. LifevsArt, who might or might not be here on MC was spot on of Tracks :" I think it's not so much individual events as an overall deepening of emotional tone where both the environment and Robyn's spirit are joined and exposed." One journeys along each step of the way WITH Robyn.

[–] henrimaine 10 years ago

ppl can die all thy wnt, i dnt care, but anmls have to be alrght.

[–] mikeyflatley 10 years ago

Makez senz

Werd 2 ur mudda, bruddafckka

[–] nikozwan 10 years ago

I know I'm gonna get some hate for this post, but I think it was pretty irresponsible of her to bring the dog along. I mean I understand she needed the company, but in my view the poor thing never had a chance. No trip in the world is worth of sacrificing your dog, unless it's a matter of life and death for yourself. And before you argue that it WAS a matter of life and death for her, then yeah, maybe, but she didn't have to bring the dog along. It's not like her sister or whatever couldn't have taken Diggity.

[–] benGsboat 10 years ago

Robyn took Diggity for one reason: when she was younger and sent off to live with her aunt, the previous dog (to which she'd become very attached) had to stay behind.

So while it may have been irresponsible, it was certainly understandable.

[–] crazydave682000 9 years ago

Robyn took Diggity for one reason: when she was younger and sent off to live with her aunt, the previous dog (to which she'd become very attached) had to stay behind.

Actually it was worse, the father in flashback said the dog was to be put down after she leaves with the aunt.

BTW the movie was fantastic, I loved it.

Dave

[–] AssetsonFire 10 years ago

If the film is an accurate representation of events, the dog had every chance to survive. It wasn't walked to death, it didn't die of thirst, starvation, disease or exhaustion. Rather, it was a freak accident that lead to its death, which was far more likely to occur had it stayed in the city. Believe it or not, dogs are more at home roaming the land than chained up in your back yard or nestled at your bedside.

~.~
There were three of us in this marriage
http://www.imdb.com/list/ze4EduNaQ-s/

[–] andyd-1 10 years ago

yes, but I imagine that in real life animals died due to the idiotic and selfish characters pathetic ambitions, rather than the 1 in a billion chance of a poison canister in the middle of nowhere well done!

[–] gus_samano 10 years ago

What if an animal died on film?
Many die behind the scenes to make the cast catering, their food.

PD I'm a vegetarian.

[–] willjohn 10 years ago

They showed the dog foaming at the mouth then Robyn firing a shotgun with the dog out of picture.

[–] Shaun451 9 years ago

I thought the wild camels being shot was harder to watch than Diggity dying. I guess because they made it look so realistic with skilled camels, cameleers and special effects.

[–] 8 years ago

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