Jude Law, Age 11, Gives Scathing Review of ‘101 Dalmatians’ in Resurfaced TV Clip

Jude Law’s Early Criticism of 101 Dalmatians

In a now-resurfaced BBC clip from October 1984, Jude Law, then just 11 years old, offered his incisive critique of the Disney animated film 101 Dalmatians. The young Law, who was described as a “movie nerd” by himself, wasn’t shy in expressing his dissatisfaction with the movie.

During the interview with presenter Fern Britton, Law candidly stated that he found the plot of 101 Dalmatians to be “very predictable,” suggesting a lack of surprise and innovation in its narrative. His comments provide an interesting look at how even young movie enthusiasts can identify elements they find lacking in films.

Specific Criticisms

Law’s review extended beyond general plot criticism, touching on specific aspects such as the dialogue and voice acting. He pointed out that the adult dogs in the film spoke with a British accent while the puppies spoke in an American accent. Law explained this difference by saying it was “mainly because the American accent sounds slightly baby-ish,” adding humor to his critique.

The young actor even mimicked a “little baby dog” speaking in an American accent, delivering the line: “I’m hungry, mother.” This anecdote not only highlights Law’s keen observation skills but also showcases his ability to find humorous elements within a film that might be overlooked by others.

Law’s Early Involvement with Film Criticism

The clip resurfaced by the BBC Archive offers insights into Jude Law’s early interests and talents. According to Law himself, he was “obsessed with films” from a very young age, having grown up in an environment that encouraged his love for cinema. His review of 101 Dalmatians is just one example of how even at such a tender age, Law was able to provide thoughtful and detailed feedback on movies.

Law’s involvement with film criticism began when a TV company approached him as part of their effort to get children to review different age-appropriate films. Although he ultimately did not pursue this path professionally, the clip still demonstrates his early potential in this field.

Background and Early Life

Law grew up in Lewisham, London, with parents who were schoolteachers involved in amateur theater. This upbringing exposed him to a wide range of films, from classic Hollywood blockbusters like “Indiana Jones” and “E.T.” to more foreign cinema such as the works of François Truffaut and Jean-Luc Godard. His father also introduced him to American action movies like “Rocky” and “Rambo,” providing a diverse cinematic education.

Law’s journey from an 11-year-old film critic to a two-time Oscar nominee is marked by his early passion for cinema. While his review of 101 Dalmatians might not have been universally praised, it does reflect the critical thinking and attention to detail that would later characterize his work in both acting and producing.

Conclusion

The resurfaced clip from BBC’s Breakfast Time in 1984 serves as a fascinating glimpse into Jude Law’s early life, showcasing his keen interest in film criticism even at a young age. His scathing yet insightful review of 101 Dalmatians highlights the importance of critical thinking and detail-oriented analysis in any field, not just cinema.