If the sci-fi comedy cult classicRadioactive Dreams(1985) isn’t filling theFalloutvoid,A Boy and His Dog(1975) should do the trick. In fact, it’s proof that an old dog can in fact learn new tricks. The post-apocalyptic film is often cited as one of the inspirations forFallout’s fan-favorite, four-legged non-playable character (NPC), Dogmeat. Introduced as an optional canine companion in the firstFalloutgame (1997), Dogmeat was partially inspired by the unnamed dog that accompanies the titular character 1981’sMad Maxsequel, but the pup’s name comes fromA Boy and His Dog.
One of the most cherished sidekicks in all of video games, Dogmeat, in several incarnations, has continued to appear in the franchise’s latest main-line entries, includingFallout 3(2008) andFallout 4(2015). So, forFalloutfanswho love Dogmeat, isA Boy and His Dogworth the watch? Here’s what to know about the cult classic film.
RELATED:Fallout Fan Has Creepy Theory About Dogmeat That Might Actually Make Sense
What Is “A Boy and His Dog” Based On?
Much like the aforementionedRadioactive Dreams,A Boy and His Dogtakes a more comedic look at science fiction, and thepost-apocalyptic genrein particular. Although both left an impression on the creators ofFallout(and its spiritual predecessor,Wasteland), there are a few differences between the films’ concepts. For starters,A Boy and His DogpredatesRadioactive Dreamsby a full decade, and, instead of being a B-movie flick, boasts all the hallmarks of a more self-aware black comedy.
Directed by L.Q. Jones, who also wrote a version of the screenplay, 1975’sA Boy and His Dogis based on Harlan Ellison’s 1969 novella of the same name. Offbeat and sharp, the classic film subverts the traditional boy-dog relationship — in part because Blood, the dog in question, is a well-read misanthrope who can communicate to the boy, Vic, telepathically. But the subversion also lies in what the duo spend their time doing in the2024-set wasteland.
What Is “A Boy and His Dog” About?
Content note: Mention of sexual assault.Starring Don Johnson as teenage Vic,A Boy and His Dogoffers an unforgettable sidekick in Blood, a telepathic dog. Although the two work together to survive the dangers of apost-apocalyptic wasteland in the Southwestern United States, the boy and dog’s aims are largely disturbing. As a teen in post-nuclear war America, Vic only has two things on his mind: food and sex. Given that he’s uneducated and, save for Blood, on his own, Vic has no moral compass, nor understanding of ethics.
Instead, Vic operates on a very animalistic level. Since Blood can’t forage for food, Vic scavenges for himwhile they roam the wastes. In exchange, Blood finds women for Vic to rape. The wasteland is full of other hazards — aside from the film’s violent protagonists — ranging from raiders and AWOL androids to mutants. And although the two need one another to survive, they’re often at odds. Vic doesn’t think there’s anything “better” out there, while Blood dreams of finding “Over the Hill,” a utopia that survived the nuclear decimation.
One night, the two track a woman, Quilla June (Susanne Benton) to an abandoned warehouse. After Vic saves her, the two have sex — and Vic is incredibly intrigued. Blood, however, is wary of Quilla. It’s revealed that Quilla June’s father sent her to the surface to recruit survivors to theirunderground utopia, Downunder, which boasts an artificial biosphere, complete with forests and other life that simply doesn’t exist on the surface anymore. But Downunder, and its strange city of Topeka, are a bizarre caricature of a white, pre-World War II United States.
Vic learns that he’s a “stud,” brought to Topeka to impregnate the city’s women via electroejaculation and artificial insemination — which doesn’t appeal to the lecherous Vic. Those who don’t comply with the Committee’s wishes are killed, but Quilla June helps Vic escape his fate, hoping to use him to kill the Committee members and come into power herself. The film takes a few surprising-yet-fitting turns. And, ultimately, it underscoresthe intense loyalty between a boy and his dog.
How Is “A Boy and His Dog” Like “Fallout”?
Reportedly, the firstFallout’s art director, Leonard Boyarsky, playedA Boy and His Dogon a continuous loop in his office. Pointing out that it would be “cool” to havea canine companionin the game, Boyarsky convinced producer and designer Tim Cain to make it happen. While the development team’s stories vary a bit on who’s to thank for the inclusion of Dogmeat — and for landing on the pup’s unforgettable name — it’s clear thatA Boy and His Dogwas an incredibly influential film.
In the wake ofFallout 3’s release, designer Chris Taylor was shocked to learn that Dogmeat had become the game’s emotional center for so many players. In fact, he was shocked that players worked so hard to keep Dogmeat alive to the end of the game. Unlike Blood, Dogmeat doesn’t speak, telepathically or otherwise. The player can project whatever personality they want onto the canine NPC, and, in return, Dogmeat serves as the player’s right-hand pup. Although an arguably small part ofFallout 3’s larger story, Dogmeat’s loyalty, and that intense connection players have with the pup, get at the root of what works inA Boy and His Dog.
While the film is a black comedy, and incredibly grotesque, it does hold fast to one nice sentiment: nothing can get between a person and their dog. For all the subverting the film does,A Boy and His Dogmakes it clear that Blood will stick by Vic — or wait for him at the portal to Downunder — no matter what. And, even if it kills them (again and again),Falloutplayers arejust as devoted to Dogmeat.
More:The Lone Wanderer Vs The Sole Survivor: Who Is Better In Fallout?
