NEW YORK — The leading character in “The Friend” captures attention not only for his Hollywood-like charisma but also for his striking resemblance to iconic actors. Sporting a gait reminiscent of Robert Mitchum and the somber eyes of Peter Lorre, this star captivates those who glance his way as he strolls alongside famous co-stars Naomi Watts and Bill Murray.
“People would say, ‘Hey, check out the blonde,'” Murray quips, playfully acting out a double take, “Check out THE DOG!”
Bing, the striking Great Dane who shines in “The Friend,” joins the ranks of memorable canine movie stars. But, unlike many of his predecessors, Bing is not just notable for his size as much as his stature. Standing towering above others, director David Siegel likens Bing more to the colossal walkers from “Star Wars” than to Lassie.
“The Friend,” debuting nationwide in theaters this Friday, deviates from the typical dog-centric film. Adapted from Sigrid Nunez’s acclaimed 2018 novel, it casts Watts as Iris, a writer in New York who suddenly inherits Apollo (Bing), following the death of her mentor Walter (played by Murray). Their shared life transitions amid building rules and Apollo’s own sorrow.
“It’s about the bonds we form, both human and animal,” explains Siegel. “Bing was chosen for his expression, much like selecting an actor. Can he look sorrowful? Does he express joy suitably?”
On a bustling spring day, Bing, albeit a bit tired, appeared content. Following numerous engagements and photo sessions, his owner, Beverly Klingensmith, diligently transported him around Manhattan. His responsibilities, including spots on shows like “The Tonight Show” and “The View,” often rivaled those of his human co-stars. Between interviews, Bing warmly engaged with a reporter, while his publicist praised him for providing emotional support amid the pressures of film promotion.
“During Q&A sessions, every time he moved, audiences all said, ‘Awww,’” recalls Klingensmith. “Bill would jokingly insist, ‘I told them not to bring out the dog just yet.’”
Despite being overshadowed by their furry co-star, Murray and Watts, self-proclaimed “dog people,” express their admiration for Bing. According to Murray, trustworthiness can often be gauged by a dog’s judgment.
“Dogs understand who’s genuine,” muses Murray. “I’ve met countless individuals, and relatively few would I trust. But only a handful of dogs have ever seemed untrustworthy.”
For directors Scott McGehee and Siegel, known for works like “The Deep End,” integrating the dog central to Nunez’s book — prominently displayed on its cover — posed both an exciting draw and a complex challenge. When they approached trainer Bill Berloni, he initially suggested considering another breed.
“When that dog graces a National Book Award-winning cover, it must be that dog,” Siegel notes with humor. “Bill questioned, ‘Can’t it just be another dog?’ We pointed to the book cover as a definitive answer.”
A comprehensive search led them to an obedience club in Des Moines, Iowa, introducing them to Bing and Klingensmith, operators of a kennel on a sprawling property. Having scoured the coasts, the directors immediately stopped their search.
“We instantly knew,” McGehee shares. “Though initially a bit young, the unexpected delay due to the pandemic allowed Bing to mature ideally for the role.”
“Bing carries an aura akin to George Clooney; he seems to attract light,” McGehee adds.
Despite Berloni’s guidance, Klingensmith admits, within the whirlwind of promotions, not fully anticipating the forthcoming experience. Yet, Bing acclimated wonderfully to filming routines. (The American Humane Society was also on set to ensure his welfare.)
“He enjoys active engagements,” says Klingensmith. “Which dog wouldn’t enjoy being constantly with their owner?”
Significant efforts were made to foster a bond between Bing and Watts, ensuring her comfort and safety as she handled such a powerful animal around New York City. Much of “The Friend” unfolds through intimate interactions between Watts and Bing — a testament to both Watts’ nuanced performance and Bing’s emotive range.
“He was incredibly attentive,” Watts remarks. “In a particular emotional scene, his response to crying was truly perceptive, checking on any disturbance.”
Canines in cinema prompt a pondering of their acting skills, a notion Murray supports ardently.
“Bing delivers an incredible performance,” states Murray. “Reviewing initial footage, it was evident the dog was following every scene, reacting more authentically than many other actors. Not Naomi, of course.”
Whenever films spotlight dogs, viewers fret over their fate. Websites even dedicate spaces to assure anxious cinema-goers of beloved pets’ safety.
“The Friend” intriguingly navigates these traditions, offering upfront reassurance — unlike in Nunez’s narrative, the dog survives throughout the movie. “Very early, we decided: We are not going to kill the dog,” McGehee asserts.
For those enduring life’s losses, this movie provides comfort — a journey through sorrow, accompanied by both human and canine comrades. Reflecting on the film, Murray articulates, “People have grieved for dogs and humans, finding solace solely in one another. This story resonates across the emotional spectrum of both relationships and loss.”