Discuss Straw Dogs

Straw Dogs (1971)-- there is much to recommend this film. Superb acting by all involved, even the minor characters. There are so many little backstories left unexplained, that could make fascinating films in their own right:

For example, the background on Tom Hedden, and why he is the way he is. He's had some tragedy in his life, as is inferred when it is said of his unseen daughter Emma that she was "put away" (presumably institutionalized).

The nature of the relationship between the brother and sister, Bobby and Janice.

David and Amy-- how did such seemingly polar opposites get together in the first place?

And others which I haven't mentioned.

But aside from all this, the very atmosphere of the movie reminds one of a simpler time. Early 1970s-- no computer distractions. No cell phones. A small town. Quiet. Not much going on at all in the way of home electronics.

This film was made just a few years before I was born, but looking back on my (very few) memories of the late 1970s and (much more complete) memories of the 1980s, I can appreciate the slower pace of life depicted in this film; in many ways it is its own character in the film. (I too grew up in a small town).

Of course, the remoteness and insularity of the town come back to haunt David as the film reaches its violent climax, but prior to this we can see why David would want to move to such a place in order to pursue his studies in uninterrupted contemplation.

Anyway, these are just my random thoughts on the film to get the board started:)

Feel free to add your own.

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Yet another little masterpiece of psychological horror - followed by a blah remake.

Yes . . . don't even get me started on the remake. Terrible.

The original is a cult classic and much more psychological, that said, the remake isn't as bad as you all are making it out to be, it was on Encore last night & drew me in, pretty intense and managed to "anger" me just as the original did. James Marsden didn't quite pull off the character as well as Dustin Hoffman, but he was capable as was the rest of the remake cast. This remake is WAY better then some I can mention off the top of my head (Psycho, The Fog, NIghtmare On Elm Street for starters)

It's been a long time since I saw it, but... one thing I really remember is how the film lingered on its rape scenes. At the time I saw it, I felt that they did this to create a sense of David being emasculated.

It did go on a little long for MY taste as well (I'm not a fan of rape in films ), it was intercut with David hunting (& killing) the deer. I find this movie intense cause I was bullied in Jr High & being emasculated was a common occurrence. angry So seeing David back down upsets me! The remake still captures that feel.

I'm not big on rape scenes in films either... plus, I think I was somewhere between 17-20 when I saw this, so yeah, it didn't sit well with me at all (I was really green to cinema).

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