Review of Straw Dogs (1971) by Conner R — 31 Aug 2010

Probably one of the most misunderstood tales of vigilantism ever brought to the screen. By reputation it is known for the rape scene and the glorified violence, neither of which are really analyzed properly.

Sam Peckinpah constructed this movie very carefully, creating a specific mood and visual style. This isn't another Death Wish or Taxi Driver, mainly because there's no hero present. Every character has an extremely vile side to them, we just see some more than others.

The local Brits are all obviously antagonizing drunks, but in the end Dustin Hoffman's David proves to be just as bad. If anything, this has an incredibly anti-violent message. I think the only real victim and semi-innocent character is Amy.

Essentially all of the problems in the story would've been avoided if David would've listened to her, but instead he acts as a coward and then as a lunatic. I really love the varying degrees of good vs.

evil in this, it's just so well put together and interesting to see come together.