# Straw Dogs

> 1971 American film by Sam Peckinpah

**Wikidata**: [Q1163628](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1163628)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Straw_Dogs_(1971_film))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/straw-dogs

## Summary
Straw Dogs is a 1971 American psychological thriller film directed by Sam Peckinpah, renowned for its intense violence and exploration of moral ambiguity. The film stars Dustin Hoffman and Tippi Hedren, and it is celebrated for its stylistic innovation and influence on the thriller genre. Released in multiple countries between 1971 and 1973, it remains a significant work in Peckinpah's filmography and 1970s cinema.

## Key Facts
- **Release Dates**: November 25, 1971 (New York City), December 22, 1971 (Los Angeles), with international releases spanning 1972–1973.
- **Director**: Sam Peckinpah, known for his graphic and stylized violence.
- **Starring**: Dustin Hoffman, Tippi Hedren, Peter Finch, and David Warner.
- **Genre**: Psychological thriller, drama film.
- **Production Companies**: ABC Pictures, Associated British Picture Corporation.
- **Country of Origin**: United States, United Kingdom.
- **Runtime**: 113 minutes (theatrical cut).
- **Box Office**: $2.2 million (domestic).
- **Awards and Recognition**: Selected for preservation in the National Film Registry (1996).
- **Cultural Impact**: Influenced the thriller genre with its portrayal of violence and moral complexity.
- **Rating**: Initially rated X in the UK; edited to secure an 18 certificate in 1986.
- **Sequel**: A remake was released in 2011, though it received mixed reviews.
- **Soundtrack**: Composed by Marc Wilkinson, featuring a haunting score.
- **Cinematography**: Shot by Bill Butler, emphasizing stark visuals and slow-motion techniques.
- **Screenplay**: Written by Peckinpah, based on Gordon Williams' 1969 novel *The Siege of Trencher's Farm*.
- **Filming Locations**: Primarily shot in Cornwall, England.
- **Budget**: $3 million.
- **Studio**: Released by Cinerama Releasing Corporation.
- **Language**: English.
- **Aspect Ratio**: 2.35:1 (Panavision).
- **Sound Mix**: Mono.
- **Film Gauge**: 35 mm.
- **Color**: Color film.
- **Negative Format**: 35 mm.
- **Cinematographic Process**: Panavision.
- **Printed Film Format**: 35 mm.
- **Soundtrack Release**: Issued on vinyl and later CD.
- **Home Media**: Released on VHS, DVD, and Blu-ray with special features.
- **Restoration**: Restored in 4K for Blu-ray release.
- **Preservation**: Selected by the Library of Congress for preservation.
- **Cultural References**: Parodied in *The Simpsons* and referenced in popular media.
- **Historical Context**: Reflects 1970s societal tensions and critiques of violence.

## FAQs
**What is Straw Dogs about?**
Straw Dogs is a psychological thriller about an American couple whose secluded life in England is disrupted by local hostility, escalating into a violent confrontation that challenges their moral boundaries.

**Who directed Straw Dogs and what is its significance?**
Directed by Sam Peckinpah, Straw Dogs is significant for its graphic violence, stylistic innovation, and exploration of themes such as isolation and moral ambiguity, influencing the thriller genre and cementing Peckinpah's reputation as a provocative filmmaker.

**How was Straw Dogs received upon release?**
Initially controversial due to its graphic content, Straw Dogs received mixed reviews but has since been reevaluated as a classic, earning preservation in the National Film Registry and influencing later filmmakers.

**What are the key themes in Straw Dogs?**
The film explores themes of violence, masculinity, and the breakdown of civilization, using a remote setting to heighten tension and provoke questions about human nature.

**Is there a remake of Straw Dogs?**
Yes, a remake directed by Rod Lurie was released in 2011, starring James Marsden and Kate Bosworth, though it did not achieve the same critical acclaim as the original.

## Why It Matters
Straw Dogs matters as a landmark film that pushed the boundaries of on-screen violence and moral complexity in 1970s cinema. It influenced the thriller genre by normalizing graphic content and exploring themes of isolation and savagery, sparking debates about violence in media. Its selection for preservation in the National Film Registry underscores its cultural and historical importance. The film also marked a pivotal moment in Sam Peckinpah's career, showcasing his distinctive style and thematic preoccupations. Its impact extends to popular culture, with references in TV shows and music, ensuring its relevance decades after release.

## Notable For
- **Innovative Violence**: Pioneered the use of slow-motion and stylized violence, influencing action and thriller films.
- **Cultural Preservation**: Selected for the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress.
- **Controversial Rating**: Initially received an X rating in the UK, prompting edits for later releases.
- **Critical Reevaluation**: Shifted from initial mixed reviews to recognition as a classic of 1970s cinema.
- **Literary Adaptation**: Faithfully adapted from Gordon Williams' novel, demonstrating Peckinpah's storytelling skill.
- **Iconic Score**: Marc Wilkinson's soundtrack enhanced the film's tense atmosphere.
- **Restoration Efforts**: Underwent 4K restoration for modern audiences, preserving its visual integrity.
- **Director's Legacy**: A cornerstone of Sam Peckinpah's filmography, reflecting his fascination with human brutality.
- **Genre Influence**: Shaped the modern thriller genre with its psychological depth and graphic content.
- **Cultural References**: Featured in *The Simpsons* and name-dropped in music, ensuring its pop culture footprint.

## Body

### Production and Release
Straw Dogs was produced by ABC Pictures and Associated British Picture Corporation, with a budget of $3 million. Filming primarily took place in Cornwall, England, under the direction of Sam Peckinpah. The screenplay, adapted from Gordon Williams' novel *The Siege of Trencher's Farm*, was written by Peckinpah. The film premiered in New York City on November 25, 1971, followed by a Los Angeles release on December 22, 1971. International releases spanned 1972–1973, including the UK, where it initially received an X rating due to its graphic content.

### Cast and Crew
- **Director**: Sam Peckinpah
- **Starring**: Dustin Hoffman (David Sumner), Tippi Hedren (Amy Sumner), Peter Finch (Colonel Morris), and David Warner (Chuck Whitmore)
- **Cinematography**: Bill Butler
- **Music**: Marc Wilkinson
- **Editing**: Frank M. Keller
- **Production Design**: John Stoll
- **Art Direction**: George Innes
- **Set Decoration**: Tony Lawson

### Themes and Style
Straw Dogs explores themes of violence, masculinity, and the breakdown of social norms. Peckinpah's signature slow-motion violence and stark visuals heighten the film's tension, particularly in its climactic siege sequence. The isolated setting of a remote Cornish village serves as a microcosm for societal collapse, forcing characters to confront primal instincts.

### Reception and Legacy
Initially divisive, Straw Dogs has been reevaluated over time. Critics like Roger Ebert praised its technical skill but criticized its violence, while others defended its artistic merit. The film's influence is evident in later thrillers and Peckinpah's own work, such as *Bring Me the Head of Alfredo Garcia*. Its 1996 inclusion in the National Film Registry solidified its status as a culturally significant film.

### Cultural Impact
Straw Dogs has permeated popular culture, with references in *The Simpsons* and music. Its exploration of violence and morality continues to provoke discussion, making it a staple in film studies. The 2011 remake, while less acclaimed, introduced the story to new audiences, though it lacked the original's nuance and style.

### Technical Specifications
- **Runtime**: 113 minutes (theatrical cut)
- **Aspect Ratio**: 2.35:1 (Panavision)
- **Sound Mix**: Mono
- **Film Gauge**: 35 mm
- **Color**: Color film
- **Negative Format**: 35 mm
- **Cinematographic Process**: Panavision
- **Printed Film Format**: 35 mm

### Preservation and Restoration
Selected for preservation by the Library of Congress in 1996, Straw Dogs underwent a 4K restoration for its Blu-ray release, ensuring its visual and auditory quality for future generations. This restoration highlighted Peckinpah's meticulous direction and the film's enduring relevance.

### Related Works and Adaptations
- **Novel**: Gordon Williams' *The Siege of Trencher's Farm* (1969)
- **Remake**: Rod Lurie's 2011 version, starring James Marsden and Kate Bosworth
- **Documentaries**: Featured in *Sam Peckinpah: The Man and His Films* (1999)
- **Inspirations**: Influenced films like *The Proposition* (2005) and *The Hateful Eight* (2015)

### Historical Context
Released during a period of societal upheaval, Straw Dogs reflected 1970s anxieties about violence and social fragmentation. Its portrayal of a besieged couple resonated with post-Watergate and Vietnam War sentiments, contributing to its status as a product of its time with timeless themes.

## References

1. Česko-Slovenská filmová databáze
2. Letterboxd
3. Straw Dogs. Rotten Tomatoes
4. [Source](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0067800/releaseinfo)
5. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
6. [IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0067800/parentalguide)
7. Kinopoisk
8. [Source](https://www.kijkwijzer.nl/films/straw-dogs/)
9. List of film licenses issued from 1945 to 2020
10. [Source](https://www.cnc.fr/professionnels/visas-et-classification/39490)
11. Online-Filmdatenbank
12. Bechdel Test Movie List
13. mymovies.it
14. The Movie Database
15. Danish Film Database
16. Trakt.tv
17. FilmVandaag.nl