In The Power of the Dog, the Netflix film directed by Jane Campion that took home the Oscar for Best Director, Phil Burbank (played by Benedict Cumberbatch) is a cruel yet charismatic rancher who greatly dislikes his brother George’s new wife, Rose (played by Kirsten Dunst). Throughout the film, which was adapted from Thomas Savage’s Western novel, Phil engages in a variety of subtle and not-so-subtle harassing and taunting of Rose.
One way that Phil taunts Rose is by playing mind games with her, making her feel unwelcome and insecure. For example, he comments on her lack of culinary skills and ridicules her for not being able to make bread. He also makes snide remarks about her appearance and her perceived lack of intelligence, undermining her self-esteem and making her feel small and insignificant.
Another way that Phil taunts Rose is by manipulating her relationship with her husband, George (played by Jesse Plemons). Phil is jealous of the close bond that George and Rose share, and he tries to drive a wedge between them by sowing seeds of doubt and mistrust. He plants the idea in George’s mind that Rose may be unfaithful, and he subtly undermines her authority and influence within the family.
He also taunts Rose by mocking her lack of musical talent. In one scene, Rose tries to play the piano while Phil is playing the banjo. Phil plays a fast and complicated tune, while Rose struggles to keep up with a simple melody. Phil then tells her that she’s “not cut out for this kind of thing” and proceeds to play a more complex piece, leaving Rose feeling humiliated and inadequate. She later finds herself unable to play any tune for George’s guests and extended family, left musically mute and driven to tears by her brother-in-law’s intimidation.
Another way that Phil taunts Rose is by using her alcoholism against her. Phil knows that Rose struggles with alcohol addiction, and he uses this knowledge to manipulate and control her. For example, he offers her a drink while they’re alone together and then tells her that it’s “not her place” to drink with him. He also makes snide comments about her drinking habits, insinuating that she is weak and unreliable because of them.
Additionally, Phil undermines Rose’s authority and influence within the family by questioning her decisions and making her feel isolated and powerless. For example, he criticizes her for not disciplining her impressionable son Peter (played by Kodi Smit-McPhee), and accuses her of being too permissive and indulgent. He also takes it upon himself to invoke constant mockery of her son, making himself into a twisted mentor to the young boy.
Furthermore, Phil’s behavior towards Rose becomes increasingly hostile and intimidating as the film progresses. He uses physical intimidation, such as staring her down, making sudden movements that startle her, or invading her personal space to make her feel uncomfortable and afraid. He lingers in the edges of her vision, forcing her to constantly be on the lookout. He also engages in psychological warfare, such as gaslighting and emotional manipulation, to undermine her confidence and make her doubt her own perceptions of reality.
In conclusion, Phil’s taunts towards Rose in The Power of the Dog are characterized by a combination of psychological manipulation, emotional abuse, physical intimidation, and targeted attacks on her weaknesses and vulnerabilities. Phil’s behavior reflects his need for control and dominance over those around him, painting him as the classic male archetype of the American West. Campion uses this to illustrate his resentment towards Rose for disrupting his sense of power and hierarchy within the family. The tension between Phil and Rose is one of the key driving forces of the narrative, highlighting the destructive power of toxic relationships and the lasting impact of trauma and abuse.