1980 - THE DOGS OF WAR, a good action film with a creepy performance

A decent director, John Irvin films an adaptation of a typically clever Frederick Forsyth novel and someone gets the inspired idea to cast Christopher Walken as the mercenary Shannon.

The Dogs of War is very well made but the reason to watch this film is Walken's hyper creepy performance.  This is not a guy you would want to be left alone in a room with.  Walken's character seems completely devoid of any genuine feelings towards anyone.  He only seems comfortable when he is killing someone his love scenes with his ex wife are shall we say spooky.  Even when he cracks a joke he gives off his creepy vibe. 

Walken had a small memorable part in Woody Allen's Annie Hall as Diane Keaton's very crazy brother.  The Dogs of War gave him the opportunity to expand this character into an entire film.

The film making skill in this film is very high.  The legendary cameraman Jack Cardiff did the photography and John Irvin was very adept at staging the action stuff.  But again, the real reason to watch this film is Christopher Walken in his ultra weirdo actor phase of his career.

102 minutes. Written by Gary DeVore and George Malko.