Dogfight 1991

On a Greyhound bus making its way toward San Francisco, the picturesque aura of the Haight-Ashbury era is palpable. Among the passengers, we meet the grizzled and limping character of Birdlace, portrayed by River Phoenix, who is enveloped in a haze of cigarette smoke while a television in the background broadcasts another grim report on the Vietnam War: 141 dead, 391 wounded, and 47 missing. As Birdlace gazes out the window, we are drawn into a flashback, which unfolds largely throughout the film.

The story ignites in November 1963, where we encounter Birdlace along with his three friends, Burzin (Richard Panebianco), Benjamin (Mitchell Whitfield), and Bueller (Anthony Clark), collectively referred to as the Four B’s. They are gearing up for a last night of freedom before heading off to Okinawa. The group’s bond is built on bravado and difficult conversations as they prepare for the notorious Dogfight—a contest where each soldier must bring the least attractive date possible, and the winner walks away with a jackpot.

Following a string of unsuccessful attempts to find a date, Birdlace stumbles into Rose’s Coffee Shop to escape the pouring rain. Just as he considers approaching an elderly woman seated near the door, his attention is diverted by Rose Jr. (Lili Taylor), who is struggling to learn the guitar chords to Malvina Reynolds’ song “What Have They Done to the Rain?” In a surreal twist, Birdlace engages her in a conversation filled with absurdity, particularly about an imaginary figure, Jim Swain, purportedly a co-writer of many Woody Guthrie songs alongside Bob Dylan. While Rose is skeptical of his stories, she feels an unexpected warmth towards him and eventually agrees to accompany him to what he calls “a party.”

Things take a turn during the Dogfight when Rose becomes ill. In the meantime, a situation unfolds in the restroom where she overhears an altercation between Burzin and his date, Marcy (Elizabeth Daily). It turns out Marcy was hired, not genuinely sought out, shocking Rose and igniting her fury. She confronts a drunken Birdlace, delivering a fierce verbal reprimand that leaves even the other Marines taken aback. With her makeup a blur of tears, Rose retreats to her room, enveloped in the soothing sounds of Joan Baez’s “Silver Dagger.”

As the story progresses, Birdlace finds himself grappling with his own turmoil, specifically concerning a fierce German shepherd in Rose’s backyard. He leaves her a note—an invitation to dinner, which she accepts on the condition he refrain from any further acts of treachery. Their dinner plans hilariously go awry when they’re denied entry into a chic eatery due to Birdlace’s inappropriate attire, leading them on a quirky adventure to procure a dinner jacket from an older couple. Even after securing a seat for dinner, Birdlace tosses the jacket aside in a rebellious gesture.

The film juxtaposes Birdlace and Rose’s developing romance with the reckless exploits of his friends. The contrast is striking as they indulge in tattoos and questionable escapades while Birdlace and Rose find solace in their burgeoning connection, leading to an intense discussion about their perspectives on life and conflict. At The Still Life Cafe, Rose dreams of singing professionally, encouraging Birdlace to hear her heart’s song. When she reluctantly agrees to sing “What Have They Done to the Rain?”, her tender rendition echoes the turmoil of the world around them and within themselves.

Their relationship deepens amidst light-hearted games at an arcade, and eventually, as they arrive back at her home, Birdlace’s respectful demeanor showcases his growth. In a moment of intimacy, he checks for consent and takes precautions, displaying a mix of charm and vulnerability as they explore their feelings under the blissful embrace of Bob Dylan’s “Don’t Think Twice, It’s Alright.”

In the final act, Birdlace finds himself standing before Rose, where she hands him her address and a piece of paper, hinting at a longing to hear from him, though her expression betrays a sense of resignation. A poignant juxtaposition arises when Birdlace returns to his comrades, engaged in exaggerated military bravado, completely overshadowing the intimate night he spent with Rose. On the military bus heading to Treasure Island, a heart-to-heart between Birdlace and Burzin emphasizes the intricacies of their existence as they grapple with the harsh realities of their environment.

Amidst the chaos, the film captures Rose in a moment of reflection, comforted by music and hope, while it’s clear Birdlace has altered profoundly. The vivid imagery of soldiers embarking on their journey coupled with the news of Kennedy’s assassination marks the decay of innocence. In a stunning visual transition, we find ourselves in the chaos of Chu Lai, South Vietnam, where the stark realities of war catch up to Birdlace, leading him back to the memories of his initial encounter with Rose.

As Birdlace strives to navigate through the maze of his thoughts and feelings, he returns to Rose’s Coffee Shop where time seems to have stood still. Now matured, she is seen with the same youthful spirit but burdened by their turbulent memories. Their heartfelt reunion broadcasts a profound sense of love and hope for a possible redemption in their lives.