Dogtown (film)


Dogtown is a 1997 American drama film by George Hickenlooper about life in the small town of Cuba, Missouri starring Mary Stuart Masterson, Jon Favreau, Rory Cochrane, Harold Russell, and Natasha Gregson Wagner.

Plot

A failed actor returns to his small hometown, unaware that he has become a local celebrity. Taking advantage of his newfound fame, he attempts to impress an old unrequited crush who has fallen on hard times.

Cast

The film was shot entirely in Torrance, California. Hickenlooper intentionally tried to make Ezra Good, Jon Favreau's character, compelling and worthy of the audience's interest despite his repellent racism. Shooting took 24 days. Russell's part was written for him, though he had to be persuaded to take the role.

Release

Dogtown premiered at the Los Angeles Independent Film Festival in April 1997.

Reception

Todd McCarthy of Variety called it an "occasionally amusing" melodrama that pales in comparison to Last Picture Show.

Awards