Fluke

Fluke, a riveting film from 1995 directed by Carlo Carlei that falls into the unique category of family-oriented magical realism, follows the extraordinary journey of a man reincarnated as a dog. The dialogues of the movie were penned by James Herbert and Carlo Carlei and, the film, starring Matthew Modine, Nancy Travis, and the singular Samuel L. Jackson, provokes an evocative exploration of life, memory, love, sorrow, and redemption.

Matthew Modine plays the role of Thomas P. Johnson, a successful businessman who, due to tragic circumstances, is allowed to return to the earthly realm, granted a unorthodox opportunity to learn the inherent values of empathy, loyalty and unrequited love. However, the twist is that his return is not as a human, but as a dog named Fluke. He wakes up aboard a dumpster truck, in a body of a vulnerable puppy, with no memories of his past human existence. Born into a dog's life, he starts his journey anew, tackling adversities and enveloping his new existence.

Although Thomas gradually transforms into Fluke, the cute Golden Retriever puppy, he is initially seen wrestling with his ambiguous past-life recollections and navigating through a dog’s world. He must re-learn about life from ground zero, making friends in the animal kingdom like Rumbo, the street-savvy and seasoned dog, played by Samuel L. Jackson, who assists him in acclimatizing to this new reality.

As Fluke continues to grow in an environment quite different from his previous opulent lifestyle, unanticipated brief fragments of his past start appearing in his mindset. Recollections include glimpses of a human wife named Carol - played by Nancy Travis, who portrays the character with an endearing amalgamation of strength and vulnerability - and a son, Brian. These images mark a significant transition in the film's narrative as Fluke’s journey takes a life-altering turn. He realizes that his longing to meet his family and glimpse his previous existence pushes him on an adventurous path to seek out his past.

Underlying the creative narrative, Fluke adeptly manages to illuminate the essence of human relationships from a fresh perspective. Fluke’s employment of the dog’s viewpoint isn’t just a storytelling trick, but a sentimental device that intensifies feelings of affection, bonding, and longing. Love, separated by the barrier of species, takes an unconventional and heart-warming form in Fluke.

The performances by the cast leave a lasting impression. Matthew Modine excellently expresses the gamut of emotions required of his double role. Similarly, Nancy Travis genuinely depicts the depth of a woman who has experienced loss and yet holds onto hope. Samuel L. Jackson, lent his voice to the character Rumbo and showcased his innate knack for creating dimensional characters, making Rumbo one of the most memorable personalities in the film.

The cinematography further assists viewers as they trace Fluke's odyssey, creating a sense of realism that carries audiences smoothly into Fluke's universe. The visual experience is complemented by an unforgettable musical score crystallizing the emotional depth of the story onscreen. Between serene piano tunes and rousing orchestrals, the soundtrack manages to strike an impactful chord.

Yet, amidst being an entertaining family movie with talking animals, Fluke, at its heart, is a film about life's lessons, the price of ambition, love, and making amends. It is an exploration of redemption and second chances reminding viewers of the essential things in life: love, family, and memories. It exhorts audiences to cherish moments as they come and value the integral ties of life.

In summation, Fluke is an intriguing family movie and an emotional tale that beautifully dots the line between fantasy and reality, while exploring themes of reincarnation, regret, and redemption through the eyes of a man who becomes a dog. Transformative and touching, it is a film that effectively compels both adults and children to reconsider the fundamental value of life and love.