Review of A Boy and His Dog (1975) by Panta O — 29 Aug 2013

As a kid I wasn't allowed to watch this movie directed by L.Q. Jones, and with years passing by I completely forgot about. Couple of days ago I saw a DVD and finally had a chance to see it after 38 years of waiting. And I am so happy that I did it. This story is so unusual that you didn't want to miss anything - not even a part of the dialogue! The plot is happening on the desolated planet after the World War 4, and the main characters are 18 years old young man (for some reason called a boy) and his dog. They can communicate telepathically as they scavenge for food and sex. This film is based on a very popular novella by Harlan Ellison set in a year 2024. The movie itself is a cult movie, and I now know why.

Don Johnson's performance as Vic was outstanding, and I cannot think of anyone better for this role. In the film, Blood is portrayed by Tiger. James Cagney's voice was considered as the voice of Blood, but was dropped because it would have been too recognizable and proved a distraction. Eventually, after going through approximately six hundred auditions, they settled on Tim McIntire, a veteran voice actor who also did most of the music for the film. McIntire was assisted with this by Ray Manzarek (formerly of The Doors). McIntire sang the main theme. The film was well received by critics and science fiction fans, but was not successful commercially.

The ending of the film caused controversy with the original writer. On the film's DVD audio commentary, L.Q. Jones states that Harlan Ellison was generally pleased with the movie, with the exception of the final line of dialog. In the introduction of the Vic and Blood anthology, Ellison criticized the film's "moronic, hateful chauvinist last line, which I despise.

If you like movies which are different, do not follow any clichés - please, check this one.