Review of Straw Dogs (1971) by Alec B — 13 May 2008
I saw the angry correspondance that Sam Peckinpah had with critics who almost completely panned this film. He claims they didn't get it and they were giving people false impressions of the movie. I really wanted to like this, The Wild Bunch (Another Peckinpah film) is great, but Straw Dogs is pretty weak in comparison.
Films that explore deep psychology usually interest me. This film explores the nature of masculinity and violence and how the two walk hand in hand in society. Dustin Hoffman's character does not become a man until he engages in violence.
While I appreciate what Peckinpah was trying to say, this film is completely uninteresting. I'm not talking about entertainment, I just wanted to be engaged by what was going on, but there was no way for that to happen.
Even the bloody climax is pretty dull. It's really disapointing because the talent involved is great.
This review of Straw Dogs (1971) was written by Alec B on 13 May 2008.
Straw Dogs has generally received positive reviews.
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