Film Analysis: A Boy And His Dog

A Boy and His Dog is the post-apocalyptic tale of Vic (the boy) and his sidekick Blood (the dog) who wander the desert wastelands of what was once the outskirts of Phoenix, Arizona in a perpetual quest for food and sex. Filmed in 1974 and released in 1975, the low budget independent film was the winner of the 1976 Hugo Award for Best Dramatic Presentation, placing it in the company of such better known blockbusters as 2001: A Space Odyssey, Star Wars, Blade Runner and Jurassic Park. Although it was not particularly popular in its day, A Boy and His Dog has since achieved true "cult" stature - it is an undeniable classic of the genre writ large, and a must-see for fans of the dystopian marauding barbarians theme that has since become a cinematic staple à la Mad Max and Waterworld.

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Blood is the smart one, apparently well read, versed in history, and possessed of an engaging dry wit. Film critic Roger Ebert said http://rogerebert.suntimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/19760330/REVIEWS/603300301/1023 of McIntire's performance as the voice of Blood that it "sounds like one of those ads for Pepperidge Farm -- the one in which the voice is so gol-darned down-home folksy you want to shoot the radio." Vic, on the other hand, is a headstrong adolescent, fueled equally by the primal drives of hunger and libido. The two chatter incessantly, maintaining a dialog that is at times amusing and at other times endearing, as they each rely on the other for companionship and survival. In this regard, the film has the feel of a buddy movie. As the plot unfolds, Vic abandons Blood to follow the enchanting yet devious Quilla June Holmes (played by Susanne Benton) downunder. It's too late when Vic realizes he's been lured into a trap, but after fighting his way out and back to the surface, he and Blood are reunited and resume their