Review of Straw Dogs (1971) by Cameron D — 02 Jul 2010

Starring: Dustin Hoffman and Susan George.

Year Released: 1971.

Let me start by saying this is one hell of a film! Sam Peckinpah's tour-de-force of violence and revenge is a very tense, disturbing film, about two young lovers, played by Dustin Hoffman and Susan George, who get more then they bargained for when they go on vacation to their house in the English countryside. Now while this film doesn't really get to what it's purpose is until the last twenty-odd minutes, the film builds slowly, making it's way to this final confrontation between Hoffman and a group of thugs. Now the great thing about Straw Dogs is the fact that it isn't a straight "good vs. evil" kind of story. All of the characters, including Hoffman's, are painted with shades of grey. In fact by film's end, you might just be wondering who's right, who's wrong and is all of the violence justified? Now there are a few problems with the film like the overuse of slow-motion effects, some overacting, and sadly Straw Dogs is just kind of, well, dated. But that doesn't keep it from being any less of a classic.