How to Kill Your Neighbor's Dog Poster

How to Kill Your Neighbor's Dog 2002

★ 5.958 votes107 min📅 2002-02-22

Kenneth Branagh stars in *How to Kill Your Neighbor's Dog (2002)*, a darkly comedic drama directed by Michael Kalesniko that follows Peter McGowan, a once-celebrated playwright now trapped in a decade-long creative slump.

Director: Michael Kalesniko

Cast

Kenneth Branagh
Kenneth Branagh
Peter McGowan
Robin Wright
Robin Wright
Melanie McGowan
Suzi Hofrichter
Amy Walsh
Lynn Redgrave
Lynn Redgrave
Edna
Jared Harris
Jared Harris
False Peter
Peter Riegert
Peter Riegert
Larry
David Krumholtz
David Krumholtz
Brian Sellars
Johnathon Schaech
Johnathon Schaech
Adam
Kaitlin Hopkins
Kaitlin Hopkins
Victoria
Suzy Joachim
Suzy Joachim
Allana

Frequently Asked Questions

What is How to Kill Your Neighbor's Dog (2002) about?

The film follows Peter McGowan, a once-successful playwright now trapped in a decade of creative drought. Struggling with insomnia and personal frustration, he forms an unlikely bond with his neighbor's young daughter, whose resilience challenges his own outlook. His late-night encounters with a mysterious doppelgänger push him to confront his isolation and the absurdity of his life.

Who directed How to Kill Your Neighbor's Dog?

Michael Kalesniko directed this 2002 dark comedy-drama, bringing a unique blend of humor and emotional depth to Peter McGowan's story.

Who stars in How to Kill Your Neighbor's Dog?

The film features Kenneth Branagh in the lead role, supported by Robin Wright, Jared Harris, Lynn Redgrave, and Suzi Hofrichter as the key cast members.

Is How to Kill Your Neighbor's Dog (2002) worth watching?

Given its sharp script, strong performances, and blend of humor with deeper themes, *How to Kill Your Neighbor's Dog* is a hidden gem worth exploring for fans of character-driven comedy-dramas. While not a blockbuster, it offers a refreshing take on artistic struggle and human connection.

How long is How to Kill Your Neighbor's Dog?

The movie has a runtime of 107 minutes, or roughly 1 hour and 47 minutes.

About How to Kill Your Neighbor's Dog (2002) — Kenneth Branagh in a darkly comedic drama about failure and connection

Kenneth Branagh stars in *How to Kill Your Neighbor's Dog (2002)*, a darkly comedic drama directed by Michael Kalesniko that follows Peter McGowan, a once-celebrated playwright now trapped in a decade-long creative slump. Haunted by insomnia, smoking, and personal frustration, Peter's life takes an unexpected turn when he forms an unlikely bond with his new neighbor's young daughter, who has mild cerebral palsy. As he wanders the streets of Los Angeles at night, his path crosses with a peculiar doppelgänger, forcing him to confront his own isolation and the absurdity of his circumstances. The film blends sharp wit with emotional depth, painting a portrait of creativity, failure, and the search for connection in a city that never sleeps.

With its quirky premise and stellar cast, *How to Kill Your Neighbor's Dog* explores themes of artistic desperation, human connection, and the strange coincidences that shape our lives. The movie balances humor and melancholy, offering a fresh take on the struggles of a man out of sync with his world. Branagh's performance, alongside a talented ensemble including Robin Wright and Jared Harris, brings authenticity to Peter's journey, making this a standout in the comedy-drama genre.