Pathway: Orlando and Dogs by Alexander DeGiulio

For Orlando, dogs represent a source of protection, comfort and companionship. Yet they also stand as a symbol of Orlando's obedience. Dogs play an important role in explaining Orlando's subservience to Queen Elizabeth and act as a form of protection against the cunning nature of Nick Greene. Yet, their most important function is one based around comfort and companionship. Two dogs lay by his side during the first endless sleep. A dog first welcomes her back to the estate after her absences. And more importantly, dogs continually stand by Orlando's side throughout the entire first half of the film. Dogs truly are a man's best friend.

Tracking long shot of Orlando and Queen Elizabeth walking grounds of the Great House accompanied by Courtiers

In this scene, Orlando obediently clings to the right arm of the Queen as they walk through the gardens. In direct comparison, two dogs disobediently pull at the right side of Orlando. The Queen exerts her control over Orlando, yet Orlando struggles to perform as the dog's master.

Medium long shot of attendants assisting Queen Elizabeth into her seat

Orlando demonstrates his obedience as he kneels before the Queen at the order to "come." This order is often associated with commands given to a dog and thus equates him to their status.

8x10" black and white photograph of Orlando, Queen Elizabeth, Euphrosyne and courtiers

This screen shot demonstrates the differing levels of authority or power between each individual. The Queen sits in her seat of authority. The attendants stand at attention. Yet Orlando submissively kneels before the queen at the level of the dogs.

Establishing tracking shot of snowy landscape, Orlando leading a procession of mourners and Queen Elizabeth's coffin.

Orlando solemnly leads the funeral procession through the empty winter landscape. Her only companion is a single dog. It is important to note that Orlando is accompanied by a different dog than that seen in earlier scenes.

8x10" black and white photograph of Orlando in funeral procession

Again, the dog stands in front of Orlando in the shot. The dog's white colour matches the surroundings and directly contrasts Orlando's black clothing. This dog assumes the role of companion.

Page 7 of main sequence storyboards showing Sasha, Vere, and dog, handdrawn in black ink on white A4.

Dogs are given importance in the early formulation of the storyboard. An entire cut is inserted to focus on a dog during the meeting of Sasha.

Page 8 of main sequence storyboards showing Sasha, Vere and dog, Orlando, Euphrosyne, Isham and Sasha, handdrawn in black ink on white A4.

Again, the storyboard includes a dog in the scenes surrounding Sasha.

Page 11 of main sequence storyboards showing Euphrosyne fallen on the ice, Orlando and Sasha escaping from the Royal enclosure, handdrawn in black ink on white A4.

This part of the storyboard depicts Euphrosyne when she falls on the ice. The dog's inclusion has become important enough to include. Interestingly, Orlando is scripted to walk past the group with the dog after Euphrosyne falls.

Euphrosyne slipping and falling on ice.

The actual clip of Euphrosyne falling on the ice retains the presence of a dog. The man standing behind her calmly holds a small black dog as Euphrosyne falls.

Euphrosyne lying on ice after she has fallen

After Euphrosyne falls, the man holding the dog makes no movement to help her to her feet. This contrasts with the storyboard which depicts at least two men coming to her aid. In the actual clip, only the women help her up. Perhaps, the dog's presence prevents the man from helping Euphrosyne.

Page 12 of shooting schedule. A4 computer printed sheet

The shooting schedule for Nick Greene's arrival includes the presence of two dogs. They are listed as props; however, the schedule refers to each dog independently.

Page 71 of revised draft script for Orlando. Black printed text on A4 paper bound with a plastic comb spine

This page from the revised script plans for Nick to trip over one of the dogs during the initial meeting between Orlando and Nick. In response, the dog bites Nick. In this incident, the dog acts as Orlando's protector.

shot of Nick Greene from behind as he walks towards Great House.

The actual clip of Nick's arrival at Orlando's estate occurs differently than the original script planned. In the script, Nick is bitten as a result of tripping on the dog; however, in the final clip the dog harasses Nick upon his immediate arrival.

Black and white A4 computer printed with handwritten annotations, bound into book, Paper,Orlando Sally Potter’s Shooting Script page 39 front

This excerpt from Sally Potter's shooting script documents a conversation between Orlando and Nick about dogs. Nick incorrectly labels the dog a greyhound and Orlando explains that it is a Maluki. This information is clearly beyond Nick's interest. Nick goes on to proclaim that a dog is a better friend than man. Interestingly Sally Potter has written in "certainly then women."

Long shot of Nick Greene walking quickly through grounds of Great House, followed by Orlando and two dogs.

The dogs take a secondary role in this scene. Neither character directly references or acknowledges the two dogs. They function as subordinate companions to Orlando and simply follow along.

Black and white A4 computer printed with handwritten annotations, bound into book, Paper,Orlando Sally Potter’s Shooting Script page 40 front

Upon Nick's departure, Orlando's only remaining companion is a dog.

Revised draft script for Orlando, black printed text on white A4 paper with annotations in pencil, page 51, front

This draft script again continues Orlando's dependence on the dog for companion when flanked by the empty "Great House."

Page 59 of revised draft script for Orlando. Black printed text on A4 paper bound with a plastic comb spine

After multiple attempts at awakening Orlando, the attendants attempt to use the dogs to awaken him. The attendants recognize the dog's role as companion and care giver. However, even the dogs are unable to accomplish the task.

four men standing over Orlando who is sleeping in his bed, one is singing

This clip shows Orlando asleep in his bed, surrounded by his attendants who are feebly attempting to awake him. Yet his attendants have no physical contact with him. Only the dogs are sitting on the bed acting as Orlando's sole companions. The dogs are also positioned between the attendants and Orlando acting as a buffer.

Page 85 of revised draft script for Orlando. Black printed text on A4 paper bound with a plastic comb spine

The poem created by Nick for Orlando contains the first negative implication for dogs. Nick suggests that dogs are a symbol of Orlando's wealth and demonstrate his trite and boring persona.

medium shot of Orlando and attendant standing outside Great House, in front of fire, reading Nick Greene's poem.

The clip shows how Orlando reacts to the poem from Nick. The reaction is one of disgust because the poem is attacking his very character. The inclusion of dogs in Nick's tirade demonstrates that even Nick acknowledges the integral role the dogs play in Orlando's persona.

Page 122 of revised draft script for Orlando. Black printed text on A4 paper bound with a plastic comb spine

This draft script represents one of Orlando's last interactions with dogs. He returns to his estate, with legal issues pending, and finds a new butler and housekeeper. Yet, upon his arrival, his dog immediately recognizes him. Again, the dog proves to be his only lasting companion.