Lords of Dogtown (2005)

The film follows the surf and skateboarding trends that originated in Venice, California during the 1970's.

Director:

Catherine Hardwicke

Writer:

Stacy Peralta

Stars:

Emile Hirsch, Victor Rasuk, Heath Ledger

1 win & 7 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
John Robinson	...	Stacy
Emile Hirsch	...	Jay
Rebecca De Mornay	...	Philaine
William Mapother	...	Donnie
Julio Oscar Mechoso	...	Mr. Alva
Victor Rasuk	...	Tony
Nikki Reed	...	Kathy Alva
Heath Ledger	...	Skip
Vincent Laresca	...	Chino
Brian Zarate	...	Montoya
Pablo Schreiber	...	Stecyk
Elden Henson	...	Billy Z
Michael Angarano	...	Sid
Mitch Hedberg	...	Urethane Wheels Guy
Benjamin Nurick	...	Browser

Storyline

A fictionalized take on the group of brilliant young skateboarders raised in the mean streets of Dogtown in Santa Monica, California. The Z-Boys, as they come to be known, perfect their craft in the empty swimming pools of unsuspecting suburban homeowners, pioneering a thrilling new sport and eventually moving into legend.

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Plot Keywords:

1970s | swimming pool | skateboarding | surf | skateboarder | 

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Taglines:

They came from nothing to change everything.

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Genres:

Biography | Drama | Sport

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG-13 for drug and alcohol content, sexuality, violence, language and reckless behavior - all involving teens

Details

Official Sites:

Columbia Tristar [France] Official site [Brazil]

Country:

USA Germany

Language:

English Spanish

Release Date:

3 June 2005 (USA)

Also Known As:

Les seigneurs de Dogtown

Filming Locations:

Imperial Beach, California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$25,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend:

$122,532 (Australia) (26 August 2005)

Gross:

$122,532 (Australia) (26 August 2005)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Columbia Pictures Corporation, Art Linson Productions, Indelible Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

107 min

Sound Mix:

DTS Dolby Digital SDDS

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Originally David Fincher and the other producers hired Fincher "protege" Fred Durst to direct "Dogtown," with Fincher helping out with the second unit skateboarding scenes. As Durst's participation came into doubt, Fincher then became the director, even going as far as having sets built, doing extensive pre-visualizations for the feature and hiring Roger Avary to rewrite the script. Fincher then left to take on another feature, paving the way for former Production Designer Catherine Hardwicke to sign on based on the success of her first feature Thirteen.

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Goofs

The wide 7-ply laminate concave skateboard that Tyson the bulldog rides at the championship was not available in 1977. Laminate decks existed but they were flat and narrow. Skateboards in 1977 rarely exceeded 7-8 inches wide. Tysons board is obviously a 10 inch wide mid to late '80s pool/ramp model with wider trucks and "new school" wheels.

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Quotes

Tony: I wanna make money, get laid every night. I wanna do it all right fucking now.
Jim 'Red Dog' Muir: Hell yeah, I'm gonna make out with two chicks tonight!

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Connections

Referenced in Dinner for Five: Episode #4.9 (2005)

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Soundtracks

"Loose"
Written by David Alexander (as Dave Alexander), Ron Asheton (as Ronald Asheton),
Scott Asheton and Iggy Pop (as James Osterberg Jr.)
Performed by The Stooges
Courtesy of Elektra Entertainment Group
By Arrangement with Warner Strategic Marketing

User Reviews

Enjoy it with an open mind

I am not a fan of surfing or skateboarding (although learning to surf is on my bucket list), but I decided to watch this film due to some of the names on the cast list such as Emile Hirsch, Heath Ledger, and a small appearance by Jeremy Renner. (Heath Ledger... what talent!)

The film begins as a surfing movie, then transitions into skateboarding, but the execution is amazing. I hardly watch movies without checking the time left, due to my incessant need to know everything, yet I didn't feel inclined to do so during this film. What that means is that the film has a perfect flow, it will keep you interested throughout the entire film.

It's a fictionalized film of "The Z-Boys" and how they revolutionized the sport of skateboarding. The film has much to do with skateboarding, but the main scenes are coming-of-age related and it really shows the simplicity of life that we take advantage of. There's many things you can take from this film: from fame, fortune, and success to humbleness, health, and friendship.

I thought this film would be a somewhat decent, but I was so wrong, it is an inspirational and interesting piece of art. I highly recommend this film if you have an open mind. If you aren't moved by the end, then you aren't human.