What breed of dog is Baskerville in the movie? - briefly
The dog in the movie, often referred to as Baskerville, is a Neapolitan Mastiff. This breed is known for its large size and distinctive wrinkled appearance, which fits the menacing portrayal in the film.
What breed of dog is Baskerville in the movie? - in detail
The character of Baskerville in the movie is often associated with the legendary Hound of the Baskervilles, a fictional supernatural dog from Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's novel "The Hound of the Baskervilles." The breed of the dog in various adaptations can vary significantly, reflecting the artistic choices of the filmmakers. In the 1939 film adaptation starring Basil Rathbone as Sherlock Holmes, the Hound is portrayed as a large, menacing black dog, often depicted as a mix of several breeds to enhance its frightening appearance. This version of Baskerville is typically portrayed as a massive, fearsome creature, with a shaggy coat and a menacing demeanor, designed to evoke terror and mystery.
In the 1959 Hammer Films adaptation, the Hound is portrayed as a large, wolf-like dog with a sleek, black coat. This version emphasizes the supernatural and eerie qualities of the creature, with the dog's appearance being more stylized and less realistic. The breed in this adaptation is often left ambiguous, with the focus being more on the dog's supernatural attributes rather than its specific breed.
In more recent adaptations, such as the 2002 film "The Hound of the Baskervilles" starring Richard Roxburgh, the Hound is depicted as a large, muscular dog with a thick, black coat. This version aims to blend realism with the supernatural, often portraying the dog as a mix of breeds such as the Great Dane, Mastiff, or even a St. Bernard, to achieve the desired intimidating appearance. The breed in this adaptation is often a combination of several large, powerful breeds to create a more believable and terrifying creature.
The choice of breed for Baskerville in different adaptations is influenced by the director's vision and the desired aesthetic for the film. While the exact breed may vary, the goal is consistently to create a dog that appears large, menacing, and supernatural, aligning with the eerie and mysterious themes of the original novel. The Hound's appearance is crucial in setting the tone for the story, contributing to the atmosphere of fear and intrigue that pervades the narrative. The breed of the dog is often a blend of several large, powerful breeds, chosen to enhance the dog's frightening and otherworldly qualities.