Cast
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John Davis Chandler
as Vincent "Mad Dog" Coll
Kay Doubleday
as Clio
Brooke Hayward
as Elizabeth
Neil Burstyn
as Rocco
Jerry Orbach
as Joe Clegg
Vincent Gardenia
as Dutch Schultz
Telly Savalas
as Lt. Dawson
Glenn Cannon
as Harry
T.J. Castronovo
as Ralphie
Leonardo Cimino
as Wickles (Bar Owner)
Joe Costa
as
Ronald Dawson
as
P. Barney Goodman
as
James Greene
as
Joy Harmon
as Caroline
Crew
Director
- Burt Balaban
Producer
- Edward Schreiber
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Mad Dog Coll examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Burt Balaban brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1961, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Mad Dog Coll took approximately 21 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 88 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 143 minutes long.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 9 months to complete.
- The film contains approximately 1302 individual shots.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 4 weeks before filming began.
Historical Context
- In 1961, when this film was released:
- Social and cultural revolution was transforming Western societies.
- The space race between the USSR and USA was at its height.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While Mad Dog Coll shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Maniac Cop, which focuses more on action than character development, Mad Dog Coll offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Factory Girl and The Paper explore similar territory, Mad Dog Coll stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: May 12, 1961
- Runtime: 1h 28m
