The Dogs of War

Frederick Forsyth’s The Dogs of War (1974) was not so much as novel as a “how-to” guide for aspiring mercenaries, detailing the complicated minutia of planning, staging and executing a corporate-financed coup d’état in the fictional African country of Zangaro; its characters roughly sketched stand-ins moving around the globe like chess pieces waiting to make their strategic moves. As compelling as that process can be on the page, a movie adaptation demanded a few changes, most notably in the lead character of Jamie Shannon, played by Christopher Walken, whose unique and magnetic presence gives weight to a role that’s still underwritten.

Opening with an explosively dramatic escape from an African airfield, Shannon and his team make it back to civilization and part ways waiting for their next job. It comes in the form of a mysterious executive-type who hires them to replace a brutal dictator with a more amenable leader of their own choosing. Although the reasons aren’t made quite clear (in Forsyth’s book, the plot hinges upon the mining rights to huge mountain of platinum), Shannon accepts the job and travels to Zangaro to reconnoiter the country and his prospective target.

Directed with a steady hand by John Irvin, who had just come off the similarly clandestine-minded BBC adaptation of Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, the film works best as a dangerous travelogue. Walken, with his dancer’s body and delicate features, wouldn’t seem to be anyone’s idea of a typical soldier of fortune. But those sunken eyes seem to be hiding more than they let on. His second-act exploration of Zangaro is monitored closely by corrupt officials, desperate journalists and a hired mistress all eager to figure out his angle. Both Walken and the movie play it cool.

Several script additions flesh out Forsythe’s original story. JoBeth Williams is wonderful in her quick role as Shannon’ estranged wife whose rejection drives him right back into the heat of battle and Tom Berenger brings a bit of personality to the otherwise nameless strike team. Walken’s creepy charisma lends itself to an anti-hero character arc, but the film’s cynical tone makes it hard to have much sympathy. The Dogs of War is a cold, ruthless film. Not in terms of violence - although a torture scene in which glass is shoved in a suspect’s mouth is certainly cringe-worthy – but in its impact on the viewer. There a calculated “European” sensibility the predates the work of Paul Greengrass (the Bourne films) with a more cultured but equally cruel mean streak. War is hell…and a private war seems to make it that much more personal.

Twilight Time’s 3000-copy limited edition (available exclusively at ) is the first to do real justice to legendary cinematographer Jack Cardiff’s work. The hi-def transfer is technically impressive on every level, working particular wonders on a third-act nighttime battle sequence that was always a muddy affair. Both the U.S and longer International Cut are included, along with an isolated score track and theatrical trailer.