Straw Dogs

Straw Dogs

Year: 1971

Runtime: 113 min

Language: English

Director: Sam Peckinpah

DramaThrillerCrime

A mild-mannered academic, David Sumner, moves with his wife Amy to a remote farm in Cornwall seeking a peaceful life. Their tranquility is shattered when they become the targets of menacing local men, including Amy’s former lover. After a violent attack on Amy, David is forced to confront his suppressed rage and primal instincts. He undergoes a disturbing transformation, unleashing a dark and vengeful side to protect his family and exact retribution against those who threaten them.

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Timeline & Setting – Straw Dogs (1971)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Straw Dogs (1971). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Vietnam era

The Vietnam era was marked by social unrest, protests, and a turbulent political climate in the United States. This historical context underscores the film's themes of violence and personal struggle, reflecting the broader societal issues that influence the characters' actions and relationships.

Location

Wakely, England

Wakely is a secluded village located along the coast of England, primarily known for its tranquil settings and natural beauty. The village’s rural charm contrasts sharply with the escalating violence that unfolds within it, making it a poignant backdrop for the film's tension-filled narrative.

🏙️ Village 🌊 Coastal

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:32

Main Characters – Straw Dogs (1971)

Meet the key characters of Straw Dogs (1971), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

David Sumner (Dustin Hoffman)

David Sumner is an American mathematician seeking refuge in the quaint village of Wakely, but his attempt at a peaceful life spirals into chaos. His character undergoes significant transformation as he confronts the brutality surrounding him, revealing deep-seated insecurities and ultimately embracing a primal instinct to protect his home and wife.

👨‍🎓 Mathematician 🏠 Protector 🔍 Intellectual

Amy Sumner (Susan George)

Amy Sumner is David's wife, caught in the turmoil of their strained relationship. Her character oscillates between desire for independence and the longing for security, ultimately reflecting the impact of violence and neglect on personal dynamics.

👰 Wife 💁‍♀️ Independent 😟 Concerned

Charlie Venner (Del Henney)

Charlie Venner is a local with a volatile past connected to Amy, representing the deep-rooted issues within the community. He embodies the social unrest of the era and serves as an antagonist, challenging David's desire for peace and stability.

⚔️ Antagonist 🔥 Intense 🏘️ Local

Janice Hedden (Sally Thomsett)

Janice Hedden is a young woman navigating her own tumultuous relationship within the village. Her character reflects the personal toll of the village's escalating violence and the confusion of youth amidst adult conflicts.

👧 Young Woman 💔 Torn 👀 Observer

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:32

Major Themes – Straw Dogs (1971)

Explore the central themes of Straw Dogs (1971), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

⚔️ Violence

Violence is a central theme, manifesting through both physical confrontations and psychological turmoil. David's journey illustrates how ordinary life can devolve into chaos, exploring the human capacity for aggression when pushed to the limit.

💔 Relationships

The film intricately examines relationships, highlighting the strain between David and Amy as external pressures escalate. Their troubled marriage serves as a microcosm for the interpersonal conflicts intensified by the violent climate surrounding them.

🌪️ Survival

Survival emerges as a crucial theme, emphasizing David's transformation from a passive academic to a fierce protector. This fight, both literal and metaphorical, encapsulates the struggle to maintain one's identity and safety in the face of overwhelming odds.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:32

Unlock the Full Story of Straw Dogs

Don't stop at just watching — explore Straw Dogs in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Straw Dogs is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Straw Dogs Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Straw Dogs, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Straw Dogs Summary

Straw Dogs Timeline

Track the full timeline of Straw Dogs with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Straw Dogs Timeline

More About Straw Dogs

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Straw Dogs: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Straw Dogs

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