Review of White Dog (1982) by Johnny T — 20 Apr 2014

As a think-piece or conversation starter, the film is top notch. It's just a shame that, as a film, it isn't particularly effective. What Sam Fuller lacks in finance and technology he almost makes up for in style and intent. The story is extremely slight, so the film feels to be moving rather slowly for its short running time, especially considering how bombastic the central concept and much of the action is. White Dog earnestly tackles the issue of the dog's racist behavior, and even provides a surprising explanation for how the animal received its early training. And Mr. Winfield is outstandingly good in turning Keys into a much more interesting character than he might have been. A sequence in a church, where a well-dressed black man flees from the dog and takes refuge, is outstandingly ghastly. The film has a TV-movie cheesiness overruled by Fuller's expert deployment of the camera, brisk pacing and committed performances. Although handled at times with ham-fisted dialogue and direction, this train of thought is what makes White Dog brilliant. The only other thing I have to mention is the superb score by Ennio Morricone, which weaves nicely through the undulating emotions of every main sequence. At the end of the day, this is a solid film in spite of its problems, and serves as a great showcase for a director who was not afraid to take chances.

VERDICT: "In The Zone" - [Mixed Reaction] These kinds of movies are usually movies that had some good things, but some bad things kept it from being amazing. This rating says buy an ex-rental or a cheap price of the DVD to own. If you consider cinema, ask for people's opinion on the film. (Films that are rated 2.5 or 3 stars).