Straw Dogs (1971)

Based on some novel I've never read or even heard of, this is the story of a cowardly American mathematician named David who, along with his wife Amy, move from the U.S. to the English village where she grew up. All he wants is some peace and quiet while he does research and writes a book. He doesn't fit in with or get along well with the locals, and his marriage isn't doing so well either. As the animosity and tension grow, things really come to a head when David and Amy find themselves under attack in their home after they harbor the village idiot (and implied pedophile) who is wanted after (accidentally) killing a local girl.Co-written and directed by action master Sam Peckinpah, this is a gritty, violent, and unsetling masterpiece. This was released the same year as Dirty Harry, The French Connection, A Clockwork Orange, and Sweet Sweetback's Baadasssss Song among others, and I think it's rather significant given the violentcontent and controversy surrounding all of these films. Thoguh the violence is graphic and unrelenting at times, I agree with Peckinpah himself who said that this film was merely an exploration of violence, rather than a glorification of it, or something like that. I've seen some rather disturbing films, some more than this, but this is still nonetheless a visceral gut puncher. Now, really none of the characters are all that likeable, but that's okay, because not everyone is likeable in rea llife either. The performances are quite good though, especially Dustin Hoffman. He's seems like such a really nice and likeable guy, so for him to play a character that spends his time either being a wimp or a jerk that you don't really care for is an amazing display of his talent.This film has some strong controversial scenes, but they feel like a payoff to some great buildup instead of being overwhelming. The whole film has a great sense of mood, tone, and atmosphere, and the tension and suspense are maintained at a high level throughout, so when the payoff its, things really get cooking.This is a tremendous film. It's worth arguing about. Some of the themes are rehashed from The Wild Bunch, but it's all done so well that it's no big deal. Also, he may have actually been a misogynist, but the film is that way. Not too big a deal for me, because it's just another good topic for discussion, but it is something to note. Give this one a watch. It's really something.