Everyone is talking about The Power of the Dog - the Hollywood movie filmed in Central Otago - and Maniototo farmer Al McKnight speaks to The Central App about how his farm was the setting for American wild western.

Based on the 1967 novel by Thomas Savage, the film, set in 1925, tells the story of Montana rancher Phil Burbank (Benedict Cumberbatch) and his brother George (Jesse Plemons).​

The film also stars Kirsten Dunst, who plays George’s wife, Rose.

Al says his landscape provided the scene for the movie, and was impressed at the speed and professionalism of the production. 

In a theatrical trailer and still images, stars are often placed against the backdrop of the South Island landscape, masquerading as Montana. 

If you look close enough, some mountains look familiar. 

“We were very involved with the construction side of it,” Al says. “We didn’t have much to do with the production side of it, but we built a few buildings here on the farm.”

Al says the production’s attention to detail was outstanding, with sets cleaned, built, packed down and put back to the way they were before. 

Filming began in January 2020, but was halted by the nationwide Covid-19 lockdown in March. 

“They built a very big ranch house, a barn, a cowboy hut and another one a wee bit away over the paddock - a pub or saloon which became part of a town scene. 

“It was all cleaned up and taken away - they were very good with that. Just in a knick of time too because Covid hit and lockdown hit March 2020. 

“They just cleaned up and it was no more. They also built a big set of American style cattle yards. 

“They pulled down a set of sheep yards beside the woolshed before that, but they said “don’t worry, we’ll build you a new set.” 

“And I said,'' Yeah, I wouldn’t mind a new sheep yard”.

“So that’s how I got a nice new sheep yard out of it.” 

Al McKnight's Maniototo farm was the set for The Power of the Dog.

Al says the remoteness of the location was repeatedly praised for being an uncanny likeness to Montana, where the story is set, but Al says he isn’t sure as he has never been there. 

“Where they filmed was very remote. Nobody goes up there and nobody lives up there. A few farmers have land up there but they had it to themselves mostly. 

“They kept saying how much it looks like Montana but I’ve never been to America so I can’t say. 

“It’s an isolated, wee bit desolate place, they had it to themselves and they were able to do it and it worked.”

The stars of the film worked long hours, and Al says his cattle were equal to the task of the production.

“Our cattle were used in the film, we supplied them, that was the easiest way to do it with regulations of moving cattle from farm to farm,” he says. 

“They were happy with them, they might have had 120 odd cattle with calves, and managed them themselves to a large degree. 

“They looked after them very well. There were guys, other than the actors, who were professional cattle managers. 

As for the film itself, Al says it wasn’t exactly his cup of tea but he liked it enough to see it twice. 

“Look, from my point of view and I can’t help but see the scenery and having witnessed construction and everything feel a bit more interested in all of that. That was special to be a part of.

“I couldn’t recognise my individual cows, I’m not that close to them,” Al jokes. 

“Do I like the film? Yeah I guess. I don’t know, I hardly ever go to the flicks to be honest. It’s a deep story, almost a bit dark, and I didn’t mind it. Quite enjoyed it. 

“Seen it twice now but the thing I enjoy is seeing what they did in our backyard. 

“By all accounts it's going to do very well, they are already talking about awards and things. Those educated in these matters seem to think it will do pretty good.”

The Power of the Dog is Campion's first theatrical release in 12 years and will be released on Netflix on December 1.