Special Notes On Production
On the DVD release, there is an informative commentary track by the director and the screenwriter.
One of the most controversial aspects of the film are the scenes of dog fighting. Iñárritu explains that no dogs were harmed during the making of Amores perros. In the scenes where dogs are apparently attacking each other, they were actually playing. Their muzzles were covered with fine fishing line, so that they were unable to bite another dog. In the shots where dogs are apparently dead or dying, they were sedated (under the watchful eye of the Mexican ASPCA). The realism of the scenes is amplified by quick cuts and sound effects.
Another unusual aspect of the production was the danger of filming in the poorer sections of Mexico City. The director and some of the crew were actually robbed by street gangs. Ultimately, the gang members became friends with them and protected them while they were in the streets.
Read more about this topic: Amores Perros
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