Straw Dogs (2011 film)
Straw Dogs (2011 film) is a remake of the 1971 psychological thriller film of the same name, directed by Rod Lurie. The film stars James Marsden and Kate Bosworth as David and Amy Sumner, a married couple who relocate from Los Angeles to Amy's hometown in rural Mississippi.
Synopsis:
David Sumner, a Hollywood screenwriter, seeks to escape the pressures of his work and the distractions of urban life by moving with his actress wife, Amy, to her childhood home in Blackwater, Mississippi. Their arrival disrupts the close-knit, and often hostile, social dynamics of the town. David attempts to focus on his writing, while Amy reconnects with former acquaintances, including Charlie Venner, her former boyfriend.
As David and Amy settle into their isolated farmhouse, they encounter increasing levels of intimidation and harassment from a group of local men, ostensibly hired to repair their barn roof. The situation escalates when Amy is sexually assaulted, an event that deeply affects both her and David.
The tension reaches a boiling point when a local mentally challenged man, Jeremy Niles, accidentally kills Amy's cat and seeks refuge in the Sumner's home to escape a pursuing mob led by Amy's ex-boyfriend, Charlie. David, feeling a sense of moral obligation and driven to protect his home, makes a stand against the violent townsfolk, leading to a brutal and bloody confrontation.
Differences from the Original:
The 2011 remake takes place in Mississippi rather than Cornwall, England, the setting of the original. It also modernizes certain aspects of the story and attempts to offer more explicit explanations for the characters' motivations. The depiction of violence is often more graphic compared to Sam Peckinpah's 1971 film.
Reception:
Straw Dogs (2011) received generally negative reviews from critics. Many criticized it for lacking the psychological depth and moral ambiguity of the original film, while also finding it overly reliant on graphic violence. Critics often contrasted the remake unfavorably with Peckinpah's work, citing a perceived lack of subtlety and thematic complexity. The film's portrayal of Southern culture was also a point of contention for some viewers and critics.
Cast:
- James Marsden as David Sumner
- Kate Bosworth as Amy Sumner
- Alexander Skarsgård as Charlie Venner
- James Woods as Coach Tom Heddon
- Dominic Purcell as Jeremy Niles
- Walton Goggins as Daniel Niles
Controversy:
Like the original film, Straw Dogs (2011) sparked controversy due to its depiction of rape and violence. Some viewers and critics found the film to be exploitative and misogynistic, while others argued that it was a commentary on societal violence and the dangers of passivity.