Review of Straw Dogs (1971) by Richard D — 21 Nov 2012

My favourite of Peckinpah's films, which I believe to be a widely misunderstood masterpiece. A lot of commentary on the film speaks as if the film is about the need for violence, while in fact it's about the need to take a stand. Hoffman's inability to draw the line early in the film clearly contributes to the events in the climax. His lack of ability to clearly recognize what's happening and assert his own stance throughout the film are what mark him off as not a fully functioning adult, not his aversion to violence. That his awakening takes the form of a violent opposition to intruders is an exaggerated way of making the point, but violence is not inherently involved.

The film itself is really a masterpiece of suspense. It skillfully creates a menacing atmosphere from the start and increases it gradually over the film. Hoffman is really an improbable choice to star in a Peckinpah film, but he turns in one of his best performances of this era. Susan George, David Warner and Peter Vaughan are all on the top of their game.