Review of White Dog (1982) by Fwah S — 11 Dec 2009

This incredibly thought provoking movie has such a sad, yet terrifying feel through out that can be compared to such classic as 'The Omen' & 'The Silence Of The Lambs'.

'White Dog' tells the story of a young actress, Julie Sawyer, who has hit a beautiful white German shepard with her car. Out of guilt she takes the hurt dog to a local vet and, once the dog has healed, she decides to look after it until the dogs owner turns up.

Unfortunately, after posting various flyers around town, no-one comes to claim the dog so, Julie decides to keep the dog as her own. However, unknown to Julie is the history of her new pet, who she has decided to call Mr Hyde.

One day, while on set of her new movie, Julie takes Mr Hyde with her. Sadly, Mr Hyde attacks one of Julie's friends and puts her in hospital. It seems that Mr Hyde was trained to be an attack dog. With this in mind, Julie takes Mr Hyde to a professional animal trainer called Keys.

However, Keys notices something that Julie didn't. Mr Hyde is no attack dog. He is what is referred to as a White Dog, an animal that at a young age is taught to attack and kill any one with black skin.

This doesn't stop keys as he embarks on a psychological journey to destroy the racist program that has so far destroyed Mr Hyde's life.

When the movie opens, we get the feel that this could turn into a fairly cheesy B-movie, however, as the movie continues, all doubt is erased. 'White Dog' is a powerful and heart wrenching piece that cannot be pigeon holed by a genre.

There are many scenes that leave the viewer on edge and, there are many scenes that will pull at the heart strings in ways the viewer did not know were possible.

Sadly, because of the controversy that surrounded this movie, and the accusations made against it being a racist movie, 'White Dog' was never released theatrically. This is such a shame, especially as the movie is not racist, it just tackles the subject of racism in a way that the viewer has to pay attention.

Every character aspect, and major points of view that are brought up during the movie are extremley well thought out. However, don't expect a happy ending.

Also, some of the editing work done on this movie is very clever and helps to set the tone of the movie very well and, merges the scenes with it's haunting musical score in a fantastic way.

I highly recommend this stunning movie that tackles the subject of racism in such a way that we are left to question whether racism is a curable illness or, if it is a hatred that is taught to one another, to any one who can get their hands on it. But, I will warn you, this movie is not for everyone.