Year of Release: 1968
Director: Maury Dexter
Genre: Drama, Action, Revenge
Synopsis: When a Mexican student arrives at a predominately white high school, discovering racism prolific in nature, he sets about to correct this inequity, but, encounters difficulties in his quest.
Within a film history context: Movies centred around racial problems among high school students are periodically featured in film history. One of the first motion pictures to deal with racism in a multi-racial school was Richard Brooks' THE BLACKBOARD JUNGLE (1955). Seminal in its use of rock music and portrayal of violence, it set a benchmark for more authentic depictions of high school in cinema in that time. TO SIR, WITH LOVE (1967), directed by James Clavell, was another film that dealt with a tenuous high school situation, with a Black African teacher assigned to head a class of disparate students. Paul Bogart's HALLS OF ANGER (1970) was interesting in that the racial scales were tipped on this occasion; in this film the majority of students were African-American, with a Caucasian student minority. Similar to TO SIR, WITH LOVE, in HALLS OF ANGER there was a Black teacher who also encountered difficulties with the students and staff at the school but on this occasion, there were also other black members of staff serving as romantic interest.
In comparison to these, THE YOUNG ANIMALS was reminiscent of HALLS OF ANGER in that the majority of students, in its case, were white, while the Mexican students were the focus of racism this time. It also diverted from the other films in that it did not have a teacher in a main role, instead students were the protagonists who drove the action in the narrative. Another difference is that THE YOUNG ANIMALS had an arch-villain who was a student, making the film more along the lines of a revenge story than a thorough-going exploration of high school issues. What also marked THE YOUNG ANIMALS from the other movies was its focus on action, which made it a more escapist, adventure-oriented entry than the others, which had a higher concentration on character-driven drama.
Within a film history context: Movies centred around racial problems among high school students are periodically featured in film history. One of the first motion pictures to deal with racism in a multi-racial school was Richard Brooks' THE BLACKBOARD JUNGLE (1955). Seminal in its use of rock music and portrayal of violence, it set a benchmark for more authentic depictions of high school in cinema in that time. TO SIR, WITH LOVE (1967), directed by James Clavell, was another film that dealt with a tenuous high school situation, with a Black African teacher assigned to head a class of disparate students. Paul Bogart's HALLS OF ANGER (1970) was interesting in that the racial scales were tipped on this occasion; in this film the majority of students were African-American, with a Caucasian student minority. Similar to TO SIR, WITH LOVE, in HALLS OF ANGER there was a Black teacher who also encountered difficulties with the students and staff at the school but on this occasion, there were also other black members of staff serving as romantic interest.
In comparison to these, THE YOUNG ANIMALS was reminiscent of HALLS OF ANGER in that the majority of students, in its case, were white, while the Mexican students were the focus of racism this time. It also diverted from the other films in that it did not have a teacher in a main role, instead students were the protagonists who drove the action in the narrative. Another difference is that THE YOUNG ANIMALS had an arch-villain who was a student, making the film more along the lines of a revenge story than a thorough-going exploration of high school issues. What also marked THE YOUNG ANIMALS from the other movies was its focus on action, which made it a more escapist, adventure-oriented entry than the others, which had a higher concentration on character-driven drama.
Overview: Maury Dexter directed twenty-two films in his ten year career in motion pictures, with a heavy emphasis on action and adventure genres. Beginning with WALK TALL in 1960 and his final film, A BULLET FOR PRETTY BOY in 1970, Mr Dexter also explored such themes as obsession, racism, narcotics, and gang violence in his movies. In THE YOUNG ANIMALS Mr Dexter has assembled a film that is sound overall, particularly strong in the confrontation and action sequences but, with some deficiencies. The film moves at a fast rate, which is an asset in that it never becomes stagnant, with something always taking place. The fast pace is a liability when it comes to certain plot points that could have been explored more intensely, and improved the film as a whole. One example stands out in the film for its omission.
The rape in the film is dealt with, and has consequences, but the character of Raquel, with the exception of one scene, is not allowed to express deeper feelings about it. She is shown to be around other male characters in the movie who, while not violent in any manner, still would have reasonably caused the character discomfort and anxiety. While it is a major plot point that the revelation of the rape has repercussions later in the movie, there is no sense that this event has caused a change in the relationship of Paco and Raquel, something which would have given the film even more impetus. Another point is the presence of female and male characters in the movie, and the importance given to its female cast. The female characters are largely secondary in nature to the male characters, and this is another drawback to the film. The actresses in THE YOUNG ANIMALS deserved further showcasing than they received, and this would have resulted in a more balanced film than what eventuated. Despite these flaws, Mr Dexter has done a very good job in other areas.
The riot scenes in front of the school are well-directed, Mr Dexter keeping these effective with a lack of overt bloodshed and gore. Raquel's rape, and Paco being overtaken by the four thugs is also dramatic, with what not being depicted in terms of the inevitable violence making the segment stronger. Action scenes such as Din-Din on the front of the car, and the chase through a caryard are also compelling, and further the plot in suitable ways. In summing up THE YOUNG ANIMALS, Mr Dexter has done sound work with the film overall, but, it needed certain scenes of intimate revelations, and interactions between the characters which would have deepened the film's impact.
The rape in the film is dealt with, and has consequences, but the character of Raquel, with the exception of one scene, is not allowed to express deeper feelings about it. She is shown to be around other male characters in the movie who, while not violent in any manner, still would have reasonably caused the character discomfort and anxiety. While it is a major plot point that the revelation of the rape has repercussions later in the movie, there is no sense that this event has caused a change in the relationship of Paco and Raquel, something which would have given the film even more impetus. Another point is the presence of female and male characters in the movie, and the importance given to its female cast. The female characters are largely secondary in nature to the male characters, and this is another drawback to the film. The actresses in THE YOUNG ANIMALS deserved further showcasing than they received, and this would have resulted in a more balanced film than what eventuated. Despite these flaws, Mr Dexter has done a very good job in other areas.
The riot scenes in front of the school are well-directed, Mr Dexter keeping these effective with a lack of overt bloodshed and gore. Raquel's rape, and Paco being overtaken by the four thugs is also dramatic, with what not being depicted in terms of the inevitable violence making the segment stronger. Action scenes such as Din-Din on the front of the car, and the chase through a caryard are also compelling, and further the plot in suitable ways. In summing up THE YOUNG ANIMALS, Mr Dexter has done sound work with the film overall, but, it needed certain scenes of intimate revelations, and interactions between the characters which would have deepened the film's impact.
Acting: THE YOUNG ANIMALS is a film where the acting is one of its strongest aspects. The movie is also notable in that the male characters are differentiated from each other, which provides colour and drama to the proceedings. As Tony, the pacifist high school student who believes in peace, and attempting for all sides to find conciliation in conflicts, the role is played with believability and charm by Tom Nardini. An agreeable and calming presence as a performer, his charisma works well to centre the film, and expound its theme of violence begets violence. The lively Keith Taylor has some scene-stealing work as the most vulnerable of the quartet of aggressors. Even though his actions are reprehensible in the movie, Mr Taylor manages to give the character a pathos, and humour, that makes him a watchable figure.
David Macklin as the clean-cut, good-looking but heartless Bruce Tabor, who sets the film's events in motion, and head instigator of the racism in the film, offers a chilling portrayal of entitlement and privilege gone wrong. The scenes in which he commits the most heinous of acts are carried off excellently by Mr Macklin, his reactions to the aftermath of his crimes making him one of the best villains of 1960s cinema. As Paco in THE YOUNG ANIMALS, David Zooey Hall offers a wonderful performance as the angry, vengeful but passionate young man who is the film's study in contrasts to Tony. Hearing Mr Hall speaking Spanish with such verve is just one of the reasons that this is a singular experience to treasure, and also why it is the film's best, most complex, and exciting performance. On the other hand, the female characters, specifically Patty McCormack and Joanna Frank, whilst good players, are not given enough scope in the film. I would have liked to have seen more of both, Joanna Frank in particular, as I feel there was more that could have been done to showcase her acting abilities further in the film.
David Macklin as the clean-cut, good-looking but heartless Bruce Tabor, who sets the film's events in motion, and head instigator of the racism in the film, offers a chilling portrayal of entitlement and privilege gone wrong. The scenes in which he commits the most heinous of acts are carried off excellently by Mr Macklin, his reactions to the aftermath of his crimes making him one of the best villains of 1960s cinema. As Paco in THE YOUNG ANIMALS, David Zooey Hall offers a wonderful performance as the angry, vengeful but passionate young man who is the film's study in contrasts to Tony. Hearing Mr Hall speaking Spanish with such verve is just one of the reasons that this is a singular experience to treasure, and also why it is the film's best, most complex, and exciting performance. On the other hand, the female characters, specifically Patty McCormack and Joanna Frank, whilst good players, are not given enough scope in the film. I would have liked to have seen more of both, Joanna Frank in particular, as I feel there was more that could have been done to showcase her acting abilities further in the film.
Soundtrack: The movie's soundtrack is a jazzy score that is utilized both at the film's introduction, ending, with variations through its running time. It is particularly effective during the movie's most dramatic moments, highlighting these in a suitably tense manner. Apart from this, the film also features two scenes with rock music, one in a club performed by the American Revolution group, and another during a pool party by Orphan Egg, that work to provide the film with a funky, vibrant 1960s aura.
Mise-en-scene: THE YOUNG ANIMALS is well-produced in terms of its sets and locations. The vast majority of scenes are performed outdoors, and this gives the happenings a freshness and realism that works for the film as a whole. Scenes such as the riot episodes, the chase through the caryard, and Din-Din's torturous ride on the car bonnet, to name several examples, could not be shot as successfully in a studio setting, and would have seemed false. Use of colour in the film is not gaudy but appropriate to what is taking place on screen, the colour tones just right.
Award-worthy performances in my opinion: David Zooey Hall, David Macklin, Tom Nardini, Keith Taylor.
Award-worthy performances in my opinion: David Zooey Hall, David Macklin, Tom Nardini, Keith Taylor.
Suitability for young viewers: No. Adult themes, medium-level violence.
Overall Grade: C
Link: IMDB Page
No comments:
Post a Comment
Thank you for your comment.