Tag: HAR: Animal Protection
-
The Cat in the Hat. Dir. Bo Welch. DreamWorks Pictures. 2003
Bo Welch’s 2003 interpretation of Seuss’ eponymous, anthropomorphic The Cat in the Hat throws the human exceptionalism paradigm into full-blown turmoil as Mike Myers embodies a character that takes on various socially specific, “human” roles all whilst staying in character as Cat. Though it is not unusual for a film of this genre to depict…
-
Chupa. Dir. by Jonas Cuaron. 26th Street Pictures. 2023
“I’ll be your family.” Jonas Cuaron’s 2023 Chupa is a heartwarming tale of two isolated characters who form a unique bond in pressured circumstances. Alex, grieving from his father’s recent passing, goes to stay with his extended family in Mexico and connects with a misunderstood chupacabra, who is separated from his family as a result…
-
Seaspiracy. Dir. Ali Tabrizi. Netflix. 2021.
‘Seaspiracy: A shocking Indictment of the commercial fishing industry.’ The Independent, March 2021 Seaspiracy is a Netflix Original documentary following filmmaker Ali Tabrizi as he examines the methods of the worldwide commercial sea fishing industry. Through uncovering corrupt and damaging practices, from dolphin slaughter to species endangerment, the environmental impact of human activities in our…
-
The Elephant Whisperers. Dir. Kartiki Gonsalves. Sikhya Entertainment. 2022
“Everything about him is human, except that he cannot talk” The Oscar winning documentary The Elephant Whisperers depicts the unique relationship between a Kattunayakan couple and an orphaned elephant in the Thepakadu Elephant Camp. After the mother of the young elephant is killed by an electric fence, Raghu is assigned to the care of Bellie…
-
Watchers. Dir. Jon Hess. Universal Pictures, Alliance Releasing. 1988.
How are human-animal relationships redefined when the lines dividing their respective humanity and animality are warped for scientific advancements? Director Jon Hess explores these altered dynamics within the 1988 science fiction horror film Watchers. When a devastating fire rips through the Banodyne Research Laboratories, the ongoing chaos is manipulated into an escape by two genetically-engineered…
-
Storm Boy. Dir. Shawn Seet. Sony Pictures. 2019.
Introduction Storm Boy (2019) is an Australian film adapted from the 1964 children’s novel of the same name by Colin Thiele, explores the extraordinary bond between a young boy named Michael and his relationship with pelicans. The story unfolds with an adult Michael being troubled by the impending business deal in the company he founded.…
-
Storm Boy. Dir. Shawn Seet. Sony Pictures. 2019.
The 2019 Australian film Storm Boy captures the special bond between a boy and pelicans on the beautiful Australian coastal landscapes. The story is based on the 1964 novel of the same name by Colin Thiele, and it serves explorations on complex issues surrounding the natural environment and human lives. The story is enriched by…
-
Watchers. Dir. Jon Hess. Universal Pictures, Alliance Releasing. 1988.
If humans and animals navigate separate spheres within their shared world, then what becomes of creatures whose existence crosses into both realms? Jon Hess’s 1988 science fiction horror film Watchers queries the animal presence within humanity through the camera techniques used during the genetically-engineered OXCOM’s first attack on Travis Cornell. (Above) Humanity’s Fascination with Human-Animal…
-
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3. Dir. James Gunn. Marvel Studios. 2023
The relationship between humans and animals has evolved throughout history. There are countless cases of humans exhibiting a persistent desire to influence the course of evolution in the animal kingdom. This desire to revolutionize animals is often driven by a complex interplay of scientific curiosity, environmental concerns, and the pursuit of benefits for human society.…
-
Open Season. Dir. Roger Allers. Sony Pictures Animation, Columbia Pictures. 2006
Staging an Attack Open Season (2006) uses light composition and visual design to critique dominant ideologies concerning hunter-and-hunted relationships and to reflect and shape particular cultural tensions relating to the protection of animals against violence. In a scene in which, misconceptions lead to a crowd panicking when it appears Boog is killing Elliot backstage, emphasis is placed…