I like a good thriller. The build up to the big showdown gets my heart racing. So I was curious to check out "Straw Dogs." I hadn't seen the 1971 original, starring Dustin Hoffman and Susan George, before seeing the new version. Thanks to YouTube, I found the original and watched. Talk about pushing boundaries 40 years ago!
It's fascinating how the remake closely follows the original, except instead of English thugs, you have self-proclaimed rednecks. However, the original has more subtext in my opinion (Hoffman's character seems unable to take a stand on the war so he goes to England for some peace to focus on work). The remake obviously wins in production value and eye candy. The original cast has nothing on Alexander Skarsgard and James Marsden. After seeing both, I did wonder if this movie really needed to be remade.
The remake follows Amy and David Sumner (Kate Bosworth and James Marsden) returning to Amy's stomping ground after her father's death. She's now an actress and he's a screen writer. Amy bumps into her old flame, Charlie (Skarsgard), whom David hires to fix up a damaged roof. In no time, Charlie gets territorial. Mild mannered David does little to stand his ground as a man, instead just pointing out how he's annoyed with the guys just walking into the house to grab a beer. When his wife complains of them leering at her, he tells her to wear a bra (just as in the 1971 original). He's a passive guy seemingly afraid of confrontation until pushed into joining the guys on a hunting trip. This is when Charlie decides to forcefully reclaim what's his. David remains naive and "weak," until forced to defend his home and become a "real" man. At least Amy's character seemed to be a bit stronger in the remake. How all this drama/violence affects their marriage isn't explored.
A secondary storyline where the former high school coach's daughter takes a fancy to a mentally challenged man, leads to a massive showdown in the Sumner home. But that part of the story isn't well developed either. All we know is the townspeople don't like this guy and the coach's daughter keeps seeking him out, ending in an "Of Mice and Men" moment. The story is a bit convoluted and exaggerated with stereotypes. If you aren't supporting the football team and diligently attend church, well you're just pointing out how you don't fit in or think better of yourself.
I did joke with my husband about not messing with rednecks, which lead to a discussion about violence in all cultures. Lucky me. But I digress...
The movie is violent, and earns its R rating. Skarsgard does play his role as a hunky Southern boy/carpenter convincingly. Marsden is fine as a wimpy-turned-violent guy. And so long as you aren't dissecting differences between the original and remake, you should be kept on the edge of your seat. Just don't think too hard if you go. I don't see this becoming part of my DVD collection, but I found it to be slightly better than average. I'd say it's a C+.
You should know there is a sexual attack which will be uncomfortable to watch and some gruesome deaths. If you're not familiar with the original, you'll see something fairly early in the movie that you know will show up later. By the way, this is not at all kid friendly. Leave them at home, please.
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