From warped imaginations is conjured this priceless tale of post-apocalyptic wasteland in which drifter Johnson and his Benji-esque companion (voiced by McIntire) form a perverted co-dependency in order to survive. Director /screenwriter Jones produces enough detail to assist the average punter with the surrealist elements, creating a well-designed, articulate black comedy that achieves mainstream appeal.
Back when Johnson was an up-and-coming film actor, before the over-sized pastel suits and reflective sunglasses of his 80's small-screen fame, he delivers a confident performance in what is ostensibly a one-man act, with Benton playing his honeypot and Robards the leader of a twisted subterranean society whose intentions for the virile Johnson are comically demented. Veteran supporting actor Charles McGraw also features in a minor role playing a judge in the dark, dystopian underground society.
Beautifully photographed with impressive set design and witty dialogue, 'A Boy and his Dog' was one of a slew of post-apocalyptic sci-fi tales made in the Armageddon-conscious 70's which defiantly proffered anti-establishment themes, some just as abstract (e.g. 'The Idaho Transfer') though not as commercially accessible.
Whilst it might be too avant-garde for some, an open-minded viewer should be impressed with the technical effectiveness Jones displays in translating controversial source material which would've been very difficult to convey successfully on screen without becoming crass and exploitative. On this measure both Jones and younger Johnson have done an outstanding job worth witnessing.
Back when Johnson was an up-and-coming film actor, before the over-sized pastel suits and reflective sunglasses of his 80's small-screen fame, he delivers a confident performance in what is ostensibly a one-man act, with Benton playing his honeypot and Robards the leader of a twisted subterranean society whose intentions for the virile Johnson are comically demented. Veteran supporting actor Charles McGraw also features in a minor role playing a judge in the dark, dystopian underground society.
Beautifully photographed with impressive set design and witty dialogue, 'A Boy and his Dog' was one of a slew of post-apocalyptic sci-fi tales made in the Armageddon-conscious 70's which defiantly proffered anti-establishment themes, some just as abstract (e.g. 'The Idaho Transfer') though not as commercially accessible.
Whilst it might be too avant-garde for some, an open-minded viewer should be impressed with the technical effectiveness Jones displays in translating controversial source material which would've been very difficult to convey successfully on screen without becoming crass and exploitative. On this measure both Jones and younger Johnson have done an outstanding job worth witnessing.