Sam Fuller's 'White Dog' (1982)

'White Dog' was Sam Fuller's final film, and it was terribly misunderstood at the time of its release. Although the film did quite well in Europe, especially in France, it wasn't given an adequate reception here in the U.S. Groups like the NAACP mistook its very anti-racism meaning for something aligned with racism itself. Which was most unfortunate, since Sam Fuller was known for being a great champion of civil rights. Must have been difficult for Fuller to see his last (and arguably greatest) film be profoundly misinterpreted.



Now that the Criterion Collection gave 'White Dog' a proper DVD release, niche audiences are finally able to embrace Fuller's captivating movie. The film deals with racism in a touching way, through the eyes of an innocent dog found and adopted by a young woman, who then discovers her dog had previously been trained to hate black people. Needless to say, 'White Dog' went into my Netflix queue, and I anticipated seeing this unusual movie. 

The character of Keys attempts to cure the dog

There are now many positive reviews and blog posts dedicated to this touching movie. What I can add is that this movie is (still) not for everyone. It has a distinctively early-80s feel, which I love about it, and the direction in some ways reminded me of the great DePalma films of the 1970s. 

'White Dog' is very filmic and beautiful, and the story is immensely moving because there is an urgency to it. You hope beyond hope that this dog can be cured of his terrible, human-imposed affliction. But you know things will probably end badly for the poor, innocent creature. 

Anyone who loves animals –– as these characters do, as well –– will feel tremendous sadness and empathy for the dog. I have never seen a performance by a dog (there were several white dogs acting in the role) that was this intense and realistic. I don't believe it is respectful, or responsible, to use non-human animals in films and television, or for any  form of human entertainment. Nevertheless, the dog's performance here is truly astounding.

This dog gives a powerful performance

Another fascinating insight into 'White Dog' is that it is based on Romain Gary's novel, 'Chien Blanc', which was originally published as a short story in 1970. 

Romain Gary with his wife, Jean Seberg

Incredibly, the story was inspired by real-life events. Romain Gary was married to the actress Jean Seberg at one time. (Both tragically committed suicide years later; Gary, within a year of Seberg.)

Jean Seberg, Romain Gary

Jean Seberg, Romain Gary

He and Seberg actually found and adopted a 'white dog', not realizing at the time that the dog had been trained to attack black people. They were shocked and dismayed at the terrible discovery. And from there, the story was born. 

Romain Gary was friends with Sam Fuller, and when the story was to be adapted to film, Sam Fuller and Curtis Hanson wrote the screenplay together. 'White Dog' was indeed a collaboration of the highest order, and it still is. 'White Dog''s lavish and sadly delayed acclaim would have made all of those involved –– Sam Fuller, in particular –– glad for their well-intentioned efforts.  

Kristy McNichol as the actress who finds and hopes to save the dog

Here are two clips from the movie. The first is a touching moment between the dog and his newfound adopter. 

The second clip features a wonderfully earnest performance by Kristy McNichol when she encounters the abominable racist responsible for training her ill-fated white dog. (What follows the clip is a fan video which incorporates an oddly upbeat song.)