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With a 98% audience and 77% critics approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, Sheepdog is flourishing on word of mouth. Now out in theaters, the feature centers Calvin Cole (Steven Grayhm), a U.S. army vet who finds a way back into his life partly thanks to a VA trauma therapist in-training (Virginia Madsen). Dominic Fumusa plays a former coach of the vet who is now an understandably concerned police officer. Matt Dallas, who also produced Sheepdog, plays Calvin’s best friend and fellow military vet Darryl. Fumusa and Dallas talked to Deepest Dream about the gratifying experience of making this impactful film.
“I came into this project very naive to what the combat veterans’ plight was when they were returning home,” said Matt Dallas. “So it became very eye-opening and an absolutely life-changing experience. I mean, to sit down and have (veterans’) stories shared with us. It became personal very quick.”
“It felt like a personal journey,” said Dominic Fumusa. “I too don’t really come from a military background. With the exception of my mother’s brother (who) did two tours in Vietnam and very sadly upon his return, got sick not long after.”
“At an early age, he developed Parkinson’s and passed away,” added Fumusa. “I think before he was 50 and we’re pretty sure that was connected to some sort of Agent Orange thing that he was exposed to. He was such a strong, healthy man. It doesn’t really make sense how that came down. I’ve done several jobs where I get to either play a soldier or be in the world of the military and it’s such an honor. And so (Sheepdog) was equally amazing to be a part of.”
Full interview:
Sheepdog is now playing in theaters. Let us know your thoughts on the movie in the comments!
Episode 328 of CinemAddicts features reviews of In Cold Light, H is for Hawk, Dooba Dooba and Atropia:
