The Dogs of War (1980)

Directed by John Irvin; produced by Larry DeWaay

Jamie Shannon (Christopher Walken) is the leader of a small group of mercenaries, specializing in Third World conflicts. Fresh from a war in Central America, he is hired by a middle-man (Hugh Millais) working for big business, interested in the mining potential of the African nation of Zangaro. What is first a single-man reconnaissance to determine the political and military situation in the country, becomes a plan to overthrow its corrupt and murderous government. But the plan itself may be no less murderous.

An exciting adventure story from the novel by Frederick Forsyth (who also wrote The Day of the Jackal), The Dogs of War gives what appears to be a realistic interpretation of a limited mercenary action. The country depicted is fictional but could have been a stand-in for some of the smaller nations ruled by megalomaniacal tyrants, such as Equatorial Guinea.

A substantial part of the script depicts the character of Shannon, who is seen as a cynical man, with an essentially good heart, but who is ruled by his almost innate talent for warfare. This character study helps fuel the story and provides a character who, even if he is not warm and caring, nonetheless provides a sympathetic centre.

The screenplay also shows the preparations for the short, swift campaign: the purchase of weapons, the arrangement of transport, the dealing with arms traders and with the mission’s sponsors. Shannon’s associates (Tom Berenger, Paul Freeman and Jean-François Stévinen) are trusted cohorts, who are given the tasks of putting together the mission, as much as is Shannon himself. Their international character (American, British, French) may not be typical of many private armies, but demonstrates the personal ties involved, rather than political or ethnic. The dénouement is rather satisfying, as well.

The acting is very good, especially by Walken. His youthful (he was 37 at the time of filming but looks 25), almost effeminate appearance might seem detrimental to the image of a hardened soldier, but is contrasted with the intense feeling of latent fury and violence that is also present. The other actors are not as significant, though Colin Blakely does a good job as a semi-alcoholic journalist. Jim Broadbent has a bit part as a member of his crew, and Victoria Tennant appears as a dinner-guest.

The action is exciting, especially the extended battle at the climax. This is well-handled by the director, though there are a couple of scenes included for effect, rather than realism (eg. no soldier would allow himself to be silhouetted by fire in an open gateway.) There is little sentiment involved, and half-way through, Shannon receives a beating that would make Jim Rockford wince.

Surprisingly undated, considering the film is more than four decades old, The Dogs of War is an entertaining but thoroughly violent film about a dangerous and thoroughly violent undertaking.