The Director's Chair Network

In-depth discussion of Sam Peckinpah’s 1971 film Straw Dogs, featuring guest Liam (co-host of the Spotlight Star Trek podcast and major Peckinpah fan). We cover the film’s origins, Peckinpah’s career and struggles, the infamous controversy, themes of masculinity and violence, editing, score, and why it’s one of Liam’s all-time favorites.

Content warning: This episode contains detailed discussion of sexual assault and extreme violence.

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro & Film Stats
01:40 Liam’s Podcasting Background (Spotlight)
05:30 Peckinpah Fandom Origin Story
12:00 Discovering The Wild Bunch & Straw Dogs
18:00 Peckinpah’s Career Struggles & What-Ifs
25:00 Trigger Warning & Entering Straw Dogs
30:00+ Film Discussion, Themes, Editing, Score, Controversy & Rankings

Huge thanks to Liam for joining. Check out Spotlight (the Star Trek podcast from a non-Trekkie perspective) wherever you get your podcasts.

Next episode: Junior Bonner.