The Power Of The Dog: Which Character Are You, Based On Your Zodiac Sign

Like all of the great western movies in the history of Hollywood, Jane Campion’s The Power of the Dog is deceptively simple, using a relatively straightforward story to explore the darker aspects of human nature. As a result, the movie is as much about the people as it is about the gorgeous landscape in which all of the action takes place.

Given how important the various characters are to the unfolding of the drama, it is important and valuable to look at them through the lens of the zodiac, in order to reveal more about their personalities and their values.

Aries – Edward Nappo

Aries is known as one of the more dynamic of the signs, and so it makes sense that Edward Nappo, the Native American that comes to the ranch looking to buy hides, would fit into this role. Though he only is on screen briefly, he nevertheless shows that he has the Aries ability to inspire others around them.

In fact, it’s his kindness toward Rose that allows him to stand out as a character, especially since she has already suffered from the cruelty of others.

Taurus – Old Lady Burbank

Frances Conroy has excelled at creating a number of great roles, particularly in American Horror Story. In this movie she plays the character of Old Lady Burbank, the mother of Phil and George. Though she only appears briefly, she demonstrates that he has many of the personality traits of the Taurus, a sign noted for its steadfastness and its ability to stay calm in a crisis. Even though she loses her son, she doesn’t allow that to break her serenity.

Gemini – Phil Burbank

Phil Burbank is sure to be seen as one of Benedict Cumberbatch’s best roles, and he brings a force and a power to this character that cannot be denied. Phil shows many of the traits that are often associated with the Gemini, in particular that sign’s ability to show two different personalities. While he is often cruel and malicious toward Rose and Peter, he also shows that he has a softer side, as he demonstrates when he gradually takes the latter under his wing.

Cancer – Rose Gordon

There are few zodiac signs more sensitive than the Cancer, and they are often known for being more than a little self-indulgent with their feelings. Rose is definitely a character that spends most of the movie caught up with various emotions, particularly once Phil decides to start tormenting her. And, like many Cancers, she tends to retreat into herself. Because this is one of Kirsten Dunst’s best roles, however, she still becomes a very complicated character in her own right.

Leo – Governor Edward

The Leo is the sign that is known as the natural leader of the zodiac, and they are able to command the attention and loyalty of almost everyone that they come into contact with. Even though he only appears for a few moments, it’s clear that Governor Edward is just such a person. The moment that he enters the ranch, he commands every eye to look at him,  and the fact that he has attained a position of authority further suggests that he has the gift of leadership.

Virgo – Mrs. Lewis

Mrs. Lewis is another of this movie’s fascinating secondary characters, people that only appear briefly but nevertheless make an impression. She is clearly cut in the mold of a Virgo, the sign that is best known for its no-nonsense approach to life and for its orderly approach to everything that happens. As one of the chief members of the household staff at the ranch, this attitude toward is valuable, and it allows her to keep control of what is otherwise a very disorderly household.

Libra – George Burbank

Like many other members of the cast, Jesse Plemons has been in many great movies and TV series, and he brings a considerable charm to the character of George. Unlike his brother, George is a fundamentally kind person, which helps to explain why he is drawn so much to Rose, someone who clearly needs that kind of presence in her life. Like a true Libra, he is the type of person that will always pursue justice for others, including and especially his wife.

Scorpio – Phil Burbank

Even though he shows many of the signs of the Gemini, Phil Burbank also demonstrates that there is more than a little bit of the Scorpio in him. In particular, he demonstrates that signs’ propensity for liking to inflict suffering on others. There is, clearly, a darkness in Phil’s nature that cannot be fully expunged except through his inflicting of pain on others. However, there is also something deeply sensitive about him as well, which is typically true of most Scorpios.

Sagittarius – Peter Gordon

Peter is one of the more enigmatic characters in the movie, but he nevertheless shows many of the traits associated with the Sagittarius. In particular, he has the cleverness that is often associated with that sign, which is a trait which helps him to survive the cruelty inflicted by Phil. Just as importantly, he also shows the Sagittarius trait of being compassionate toward others, particularly his mother, and many of the actions that he takes are efforts to protect her.

Capricorn – George Burbank

Even though he has many of the traits of the Libra, George also shows that he has traits of the Capricorn. That particular earth sign is noted for its loyalty to those that have won their affection.

As he shows time and again, George is loyal to a fault when it comes to Rose, first marrying her and taking her away from her dead-end job and then doing everything that he can to make her life at the mansion more comfortable.

Aquarius – Peter Gordon

In addition to being a Sagittarius, it’s clear that there is also a lot of the Aquarius in Peter’s personality. Like that sign, he often defies classification, and he always seems to be holding something back from the rest of the world. In essence, he is often playing a game with the world that only he knows the rules to. At the same time, he also exhibits that sign’s brilliance, and he is arguably the smartest character in the movie.

Pisces – Rose Gordon

There are few signs more attuned to their feelings than the Pisces. In fact, at times it can seem to Pisces that their feelings in a given moment are all there ever will be. This definitely describes Rose and her approach to life. She is one of those people who can get lost in their feelings, to such an extent that they can’t deal with the world as it actually is. At the same time, she also shows the Pisces’ ultimate resilience and ability to endure whatever comes their way.

About The Author