Review of Straw Dogs (1971) by Jordan F — 30 Aug 2011
To think that Sam Peckinpah (known mainly for gleefully bloody action movies) could craft such a terrifying and uncompromising psychological thriller about the potential for violence in any human being.
While the film's lengthy climax could have come off as ludicrous in the hands of a lesser director, Peckinpah's delicate build up and stunning direction makes it entirely plausible. Dustin Hoffman also does one of his all time great performances as a pacifist with brutal tendencies, one that viewers may discover more in it's complexity over time.
The early 70s possessed many masterpieces that pushed the MPAA's limits of violence on screen, but Straw Dogs stands as one of the best.
This review of Straw Dogs (1971) was written by Jordan F on 30 Aug 2011.
Straw Dogs has generally received positive reviews.
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