Dogfight (1991)

Week four of January’s theme of “5 DIRECTORS” is very heartfelt because we’re analyzing Nancy Savoca’s first three feature films in this week’s sub-theme that we’ve dubbed “NANCY SAVOCA’S ITALIAN HEARTS TRILOGY”. Criminally underrated in their time but film fans are re-evaluating Savoca’s movies today thanks to re-releases by Criterion and Kino-Lorber and are finding that their vibrant tenderness is holding up very nicely. Today we discuss the second of her films that, once again, showcases what a devastating loss to the film world it was when River Phoenix tragically passed away those many years ago. We’re discussing the 1991 60s romance “DOGFIGHT” starring River Phoenix & Lily Taylor. Some young Marines are to be shipped to far eastern lands from 1963 San Francisco but first they must play a game by seeing who can bring the ugliest girl to a party to win a prize. Lance Corporal Eddie Birdlace plays along but feels rather bad because plain and quiet Rose Fenny probably doesn’t deserve this treatment much less anybody else. She’s rightfully pissed when she figures out the game but Eddie wants to make it up to her and that night he discovers a young woman who is more sure of what she wants than he may ever be. It’s a night to remember. Beyond that he just has to survive going to places his government has no place sending him. Another tender piece from Savoca so hear us tell of it. 

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