A Submissive Hidden Bomb

Straw Dogs (1971)

In Straw Dogs the dynamics between the different characters is the main focus for my observation.

Dustin Hoffman's character (David) is portrayed as a submissive male. Through the majority of the film his character does not display the barbaric/ masculine aggression that is often associated with the male gender. Susan George (Amy) portrayed the damsel in distress. Amy longs for a protector through out the entire film.

The film is divided into 2 major parts. Part 1: The set up for the breaking point. Part 2: Instinct ensues. The first half of the film is difficult to watch in a way that it is slow, quiet, and confusing. It is violent to the viewer to sit through an observation of a spineless husband ignore his beautiful wife. However, significance to the build up is hidden with in the boredom. The audience gains knowledge of David and his intellect. The ultimate battle that will take place- would put intellect (as an unnatural tool) against instinct (the natural means of survival). David ignores his instinct to fight for his trophy (wife) to defend his intellect. What gain does intellect have? The answer: 5 angry men.

It would be naive to ignore the role females play in this film. Janice, and Amy are portrayed as sex symbols for men to take. A large importance of the film is Amy's rape. However, the barbaric violation committed upon her ultimately satisfies her. To think of being raped in any sense is violent it's self. However, Amy longed for a protector. David was not able to provide that because he had been 'taught' not to result to violence. On the reverse Janice wanted sexual gratification- even if it was from the village retard. Her role is portrayed as lower than the masculine because of her ultimate helplessness.

The last part of the film, the riddle unravels. Who wins in an ultimate battle of wit between intellect, and instinct? The societal answer would be intellect. Because of civilization, and classification we are taught not to result to a barbaric state. Universities, and organizations hold intellect as a barrier between civilization and the animal kingdom. However, one concept is often forgotten- Humans are the top of the food chain. Instinct wins. The means to analyze, think, and observe separates humans from our furry friends. But when it comes to surviving, we are all in the same pyramid. David's learned values of intelligence were broken when his means to survive were breached. The primal instinct to use cunning survival skills allowed him to break away from his societal learned intellect and become the animal within.

Instinct: 1, Intellect: 0