DOGFIGHT 1991
Directed by Nancy Savoca
96 minutes
In English with English subtitles
This is a small independent feature film which turned out to be one of the last movies featuring cult actor River Phoenix... and yet it remains one of the marginalized, rarely seen movies of his short career. Set in San Francisco during the beginning of the Vietnam war, the story follows an 18-year-old marine on his way to fight overseas. While waiting for his boat to depart he encounters a girl named Rose (Lili Taylor, in an early role). Initially he asks her out on a date just to make fun of her, since she is awkward, and lonely. In the end, this film by Nancy Savoca is about how an act of cruelty can slowly evolve into having a sense of humanity.
The film is small and understated, and the tone is bittersweet.... it's a marvel to watch it unfold. The chemistry between River and Lili is magical, and the direction by Nancy Savoca is both poignant and fascinating to watch. The movie covers an important period in political history but also in music - the early 60s - and the soundtrack reflects those changes including tracks by Bob Dylan, Muddy Waters, Pete Seeger, Malvina Reynolds and Van Morrison. The movie got glowing reviews from critics, but was quickly shelved by the studio because it was atypical and they didn't know how to market it. Since then it has become a cherished film by those who have seen it, and has earned a cult reputation. An important, obscure and under-appreciated gem.
Directed by Nancy Savoca
96 minutes
In English with English subtitles
This is a small independent feature film which turned out to be one of the last movies featuring cult actor River Phoenix... and yet it remains one of the marginalized, rarely seen movies of his short career. Set in San Francisco during the beginning of the Vietnam war, the story follows an 18-year-old marine on his way to fight overseas. While waiting for his boat to depart he encounters a girl named Rose (Lili Taylor, in an early role). Initially he asks her out on a date just to make fun of her, since she is awkward, and lonely. In the end, this film by Nancy Savoca is about how an act of cruelty can slowly evolve into having a sense of humanity.
The film is small and understated, and the tone is bittersweet.... it's a marvel to watch it unfold. The chemistry between River and Lili is magical, and the direction by Nancy Savoca is both poignant and fascinating to watch. The movie covers an important period in political history but also in music - the early 60s - and the soundtrack reflects those changes including tracks by Bob Dylan, Muddy Waters, Pete Seeger, Malvina Reynolds and Van Morrison. The movie got glowing reviews from critics, but was quickly shelved by the studio because it was atypical and they didn't know how to market it. Since then it has become a cherished film by those who have seen it, and has earned a cult reputation. An important, obscure and under-appreciated gem.
DATUM EN TIJD | Donderdag 4 september | aanvang film om 20.30 | zaal open om 20.00 | entree 3,00 | Vrienden gratis | Wees aanwezig voor 20.15 uur om verzekerd te zijn van een zitplaats