SLIFF 2010 Review: MY DOG TULIP

Long, long ago in 1994 the release of an animated film using computer technology was a unique event. Since the success of that first TOY STORY film, the hand drawn animated feature has become almost forgotten. It’s a pleasure to revisit those 2D day with the new animated film from Sandra and Paul Fierlinger MY DOG TULIP based on the novel from J.R. Ackerley. but, as I discovered during the end credits, things are not always as they seem.

I should warn parents out there that although this is a film involving a cartoon dog, Tulip is quite unlike Lady, Tramp, or any of those Dalmatians. She behaves like a real dog. When she’s not eating, sleeping, or barking Tulip is relieving herself and later goes through the canine mating ritual. Although this her master (voiced wonderfully by Christopher Plummer) is completely smitten with his Alation bitch. He trudges through his dull job in an office at the BBC till he can be reunited with his ideal friend.

In a way the film is a love story between the two. His fantasy life with Tulip is shown by simple animated pen line drawings on lined yellow note paper. At times he is scientifically analytical concerning the dog’s bodily functions. During the film he (based on the author Ackerley) deals with intolerant neighbors and a visiting sister(voiced by the late Lynn Redgrave to whom the film is dedicated) who tries to steal away the dog’s affections. J. R. has to deal with several indifferent and hostile veterinarians until meeting one full of wisdom and compassion (voiced by Isabella Rossellini). She offers advice when J.R. decides it’s time to Tulip to “marry.”

We’re then treated to several episodes of him dealing with other dog owners who believe they have Tulip’s perfect husband. And of course they must deal with the onslaught of frenzied neighborhood dogs when Tulip is in heat. All in all a charming look at a real relationship between human and animal. The story is animated with bright colors and minimal backgrounds. The characters are drawn in a “scratchy” pen and ink style. So here’s what surprised me in the end credits: No paper was used in the making of this film. It’s amazing how these computers can fool you. A great film for animation fans and fans of faithful dogs.

MY DOG TULIP will play during the 19th Annual Stella Artois St. Louis International Film Festival on Saturday, November 13th at 1:00 pm and Sunday, November 14th at 5:00 pm at the Hi-Pointe Theatre.