Becoming Animal
2018
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Representation score: 7.7 out of 10
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Bestiary
Representation Score
7.7/10
Good
2012
Director
Denis Côté
Runtime
72 minutes
Average Rating
No ratings yetNew Showbiz Analysis
Bestiary operates as a contemplative documentary that challenges the traditional hierarchy between humans and nature. By employing the concept of darshan, the film moves away from conventional observational styles toward an egalitarian exchange of consciousness. The work disrupts Western intellectual dominance by blending medieval European history with Eastern philosophical concepts. This approach shifts the narrative from a narrow perspective to a more inclusive, interconnected view of life. While the film excels in blending intellectual and cultural perspectives, it remains neutral regarding specific social identities like gender, race, or LGBTQ+ representation, focusing instead on metaphysical connections.
Category Breakdown
Does Bestiary have LGBTQ+ representation?
The film does not include explicit LGBTQ+ storylines or relationships. Instead, it explores the philosophical bond between humans and animals.
How does Bestiary portray gender?
The narrative avoids typical stereotypes of masculinity and femininity. It emphasizes a shared biological and spiritual existence through mutual observation.
How racially and ethnically diverse is Bestiary?
The film incorporates non-Western philosophical ideas into a Western historical setting. This indicates a blend of cross-cultural intellectual traditions within its framework.
How does Bestiary represent religion and culture?
The film uses non-Western spiritual frameworks to question Western observer roles. It prioritizes subjective, pluralistic truths over objective, human-centric views.
Does Bestiary include disability representation?
There is no specific depiction of neurodivergence or physical disabilities. The focus remains on the metaphysical link between species.
Present on Screen
- Blends Western and Eastern philosophical concepts to challenge intellectual hegemony.
- Promotes an egalitarian exchange of consciousness between humans and animals.
- Disrupts traditional observational documentary clichés using the concept of darshan.
Limited or Absent
- Does not explicitly represent specific social identities such as LGBTQ+ or disability.
- Does not provide identifiable information about racial or ethnic casting.
Official Synopsis
A popular sensation in medieval Europe, bestiaries were catalogs of beasts featuring exotic animal illustrations, zoological wisdom, and ancient legends. The documentary unfolds like a filmic picture book where both humans and animals are on display. As we observe them, they also observe us and one another, invoking the Hindu idea of “darshan”: a mutual beholding that initiates a shift in consciousness.
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