Movie Review: Straw Dogs (2011)
Can't touch the original, but I still found some enjoyment in it
Photo: Screen Gems
There is one major flaw when it comes to Rod Lurie's remake of Sam Peckinpah's Straw Dogs and that's the lack of having a message or reason for telling such a violent and savage story. However, I still came away liking it, primarily because I love the original so much and outside of some setup differences this one doesn't stray too far.
The cast includes James Marsden, Alexander Skarsgard, Kate Bosworth, Dominic Purcell, James Woods, Willa Holland and Walt Goggins. For more information on this film including pictures, trailers and a detailed synopsis choose from the following menu.
Review
"Straw Dogs" is a Screen Gems release, directed by Rod Lurie and is rated R for strong brutal violence including a sexual attack, menace, some sexual content, and pervasive language. The running time is 1 hour 45 minutes.
Just as David and Amy arrive in town they sit down for a bite at one of Amy's old haunts and her high school ex-boyfriend Charlie (Alexander Skarsgard) greets them with a few subtle comments, letting the audience know feathers are about to be ruffled. In fact, I thought Skarsgard nailed this role. He was a definite villain, but he isn't overly so. Sure, he's trying to torment David, a Hollywood screenwriter that obviously isn't going to fit in with the deep South locals, but the way he goes about it isn't overtly mean. He's dismissive and subtle in his actions, it's not a punch to the face, but instead an abandonment in the woods and Skarsgard plays it perfectly.
For a man with Charlie's upbringing his reaction is a natural defense mechanism against David's perceived superiority, as David and Amy roll into town in his $100,000 Jaguar (sort of a silly plot detail) and he struts around town in his khakis and white shoes without their shoelaces. The local fellas immediately smell fear and methodically pounce on the city boy who has no intention of getting into a fight and has a hard time standing up for himself. Straw Dogs finds its level of intrigue in the way these guys psychologically break David down and the question of whether he'll ever fight back looms.
The film's descent into all out chaos and hardcore violence comes organically and it wasn't until after leaving the theater that I began searching for the reasons behind what I just watched. Interesting enough, one theme that remains is to question whether or not the characters were "asking for it," largely in the case of Amy's character, who along with Marsden is quite good, even if Marsden doesn't create as pathetic a character as Hoffman created in '71.
The performances aren't in any way the problem, though. The biggest problem, as I've already slightly touched upon, is going to be a matter of motivation and reason. Sam Peckinpah's original had several subtle moments that led to the film's ultimate outcome, some are carried over, but most have been changed and changed in ways that don't benefit the film.
If you think it's unfair to compare this film as much as I have to Peckinpah's original, I would typically tend to agree, but the two films are so similar that in the areas where they differ the differences are quite alarming. Yet, it doesn't mean I didn't like Lurie's Straw Dogs. In fact, I still rather enjoyed it, particularly Skarsgard who delivers a calm and menacing character that even up to the end keeps you guessing.
This is going to be a tough film for people to watch, but Peckinpah's '71 feature still cannot be touched. If the release of this film means more people may find the original, which itself was based on the Gordon Williams novel "The Siege of Treacher's Farm", then I'm all for this latest remake, even though the argument as to whether or not it was really necessary is entirely valid.
Links from Other Sites You May Like
Showing 6 Comments
~ PLEASE NOTE ~
If, in any way, your comment is an attack on the author of this post or a previous commenter, your comment will be deleted without question.
Add a New Comment |
Click to Read Our Commenting Rules & Guidelines
I originally wasn't for a remake (unnecessary I still believe), but the thought of them making the climax all the more violent was too intriguing to skip out on. Watched it tonight. Skaargard's portrayal, especially after Bosworth undressed at the window, was pretty intense to say the least. I agree with the grade all the way, B-.
Totally struggled with this review. It told me nothing. Confused me as to what was good and bad about the movie. You need to be more clear in your writing bro.
I can see where that can happen, I was having a tough time comparing to the original as well as not spoiling the film. Appreciate your comment.
It is disappointing that they are showing little to nothing of James Woods in this. Straw Dogs will mark his only return to the big screen since An American Carol (2008). I wish he would do more mainstream movies like he used to.
brad
have you watched eden lake with michael fassbender ?
It's an extraordinary descent into savagery much along the same lines as straw dogs.Not watched this one yet but i'm off to wathc tinker tailor soldier spy at the weekend !
I have seen Eden Lake and it is very disturbing. It's a well acted and thought provoking movie.
I thought Alexander Scarscard was very good in Straw Dogs. At first, he didn't seem too threatening but what was boiling underneath is what made him scary.
I haven't seen the original. I don't have it to compare this one too. I did want more from the ending. And what happened to Dominic Purcell's character at the end. That was kinda left open.