Dogfight: una storia d'amore

DOGFIGHT is one of favorite films. The two leads actors share perfect a chemistry, making their interaction a pleasure to watch. Not to mention, Mr. Phoenix's screen presence is incredible. In fact, I could've followed him around the whole night. Furthermore, there is a great amount of foreshadowing on and off the screen. When Eddie (Phoenix) discusses Vietnam, he mentions its a small mess and that he'll be back in a few months. We, however, know that a different course lies ahead. In addition, this is one of Mr. Phoenix's final films, a glimpse of a magnificent only two years before his tragic demise. As a result, actor-character parallel almost each other, which I found to be truly sad. In addition, I give my credits to Bob and Nancy for executing a perfect ending. Yet, for me, this picture will always be a testament to one of the finest actors of our generation; may his spirit live on.

Ted's Grade: A-

I went to see this film because I am a River Phoenix fan, but when Ms.

Taylor appeared on the screen my breath was taken away. Never before

have I witnessed a more likable charater as well as an incredibly

sincere performance by such a young actress. I also was curious as to how anyone could tell a story about the Vietnam

war in a new way. Bob Comfort, the screenwriter is a genius as is Nancy

Savoca, the director. The closing scene is brilliant in its use of silence and facial

expressions. The war footage is minimal but poignant. This is a perfect

film and one of the best films eve

"Dogfight", starring River Phoenix and Lili Taylor, is a surprisingly charming film. It tells a love story born of peculiar circumstances, much like "Marty" starring Ernest Borgnine. Phoenix and Taylor are quiet and awkward people on seemingly different paths who spend a short time together and wind up falling deeply in love with one another. The film is set against the backdrop of the autumn of 1963, prior to immense change in the United States. It is an intelligent work with a keen visual sense--watch for a kissing scene where our leads practically become musicbox dancers--and fine acting.

With the exception of that home video my ex made with her new boyfriend, "Dogfight" is the most upsetting film I've ever watched. The plot involves US Marines bound for duty (and possibly death) in Vietnam, having one last night on the town in San Francisco. As a challenge to each other, the lads partcipate in a game called dogfight, where the guy who brings the ugliest date (the "biggest dog") wins.

Even more disgusting than the game itself is the way Lili Taylor's character, the gentle Rose, gets roped in--eagerly getting dressed up and even touching up her makeup before the contest. It breaks the viewer's heart to see a young woman so trusting walk into something so degrading.

Without spoiling the plot for those who haven't seen the film (you owe it to yourself to do so) it's assumed there is always chance for redemption. River Phoenix, who died tragically just two years after the film's release, is memorable as a soldier who struggles with human contact. And Lili Taylor absolutely shines as the victimized but amazingly forgiving Rose, though it's hard to accept her as "ugly"--I think Lili Taylor is really cute and I'd give anything to go on a date with her.

On the day my friends and I learned of River Phoenix's unfortunate death, we planned to have a movie marathon that weekend. Apparently other people on campus had the same idea. By the time we got to the video store, all of the better known movies (Stand by Me, Mosquito Coast, My Own Private Idaho) had already gone. Someone happened upon Dogfight, of which none of us had ever heard. We decided to give it a shot.

What a fabulous movie! The "first kiss" scene will probably never have an equal: most movies show a first kiss as a passionate, perfect moment rather than an awkward and tense one.