Straw Dogs" (1971): A Complex and Controversial Exploration of Violence, Masculinity, and Power in Rural England - A Review

Movie name : straw dogs (1971)

Straw Dogs" is a 1971 psychological thriller directed by Sam Peckinpah and starring Dustin Hoffman and Susan George. The film is a controversial and disturbing exploration of violence, power, and masculinity. It is considered by many to be one of Peckinpah's greatest works and a classic of the thriller genre.

The film is set in a small village in rural England, where American mathematician David Sumner (Hoffman) has moved with his wife Amy (George). David is a quiet and reserved intellectual who is working on a complex mathematical problem. Amy, on the other hand, is more outgoing and flirtatious, which causes tension in their relationship. As the couple settles into their new home, they begin to experience hostility from the local villagers, who view them as outsiders.

The tension in the village comes to a head when a group of locals, led by Amy's ex-boyfriend Charlie (played by Del Henney), begin to harass the couple. They vandalize their property, make crude sexual advances towards Amy, and even kill their cat. David tries to avoid confrontation, but as the situation escalates, he is forced to take action to protect his home and his wife.

The film's themes are complex and multi-layered. On one level, it is a study of the psychology of violence and the ways in which power can corrupt individuals and communities. The villagers in the film are driven by a sense of resentment and entitlement, and their aggression towards the couple is fueled by a desire to exert control over them. David, on the other hand, is a pacifist who believes in non-violence, but he is ultimately forced to use violence to defend himself and his wife.

At the same time, the film is also a commentary on masculinity and gender roles. David is portrayed as a sensitive and intellectual man who is uncomfortable with traditional notions of masculinity. He is physically weak and unable to defend himself, which puts him in a vulnerable position. Amy, on the other hand, is sexualized and objectified by the men in the village, who view her as a possession to be claimed. Her sexuality is both a source of power and a source of vulnerability, and she struggles to assert herself in a world dominated by men.

The film is also notable for its graphic violence and sexual content. The rape scene, in particular, is one of the most controversial and disturbing sequences in cinema history. Some critics have accused Peckinpah of glorifying violence and misogyny, while others argue that the film is a powerful critique of these things. Regardless of one's interpretation, there is no denying that "Straw Dogs" is a deeply unsettling and thought-provoking film that pushes boundaries and challenges viewers.

In terms of its technical qualities, "Straw Dogs" is a masterful piece of filmmaking. Peckinpah's direction is taut and suspenseful, building tension gradually and then releasing it in explosive bursts of violence. The cinematography, by John Coquillon, is stunning, capturing the rugged beauty of the English countryside and the bleakness of the villagers' lives. The score, by Jerry Fielding, is haunting and evocative, adding to the film's atmosphere of dread.

Dustin Hoffman's performance as David is one of the best of his career. He captures the character's intellectualism and sensitivity, as well as his growing sense of desperation and fear. Susan George, as Amy, is also excellent, conveying the character's complexity and vulnerability with subtlety and nuance. The supporting cast, which includes such notable British actors as Peter Vaughan and T.P. McKenna, is equally strong, adding depth and texture to the film's portrayal of rural life.

Despite its controversial subject matter and graphic content, "Straw Dogs