On Isle of Dogs

Computer animation, in its most popular realisation, exemplified by Pixar, Dreamworks Animation or Blue Sky Studios, dominates the animated film category. These films, while not looking identical, share a look and a feel which is far more similar than say Toy Story 3 (2010) does with Morph (1977 -). In fact, TV aimed at children, especially that provided on CBBC and CBeebies offers more variety in aesthetic than cinema aimed at children does. It is not that computer animated cinema such as the Pixar films or Dreamworks Animation films are bad (Zootropolis (2016) for example, is a very good film), but they are repetitive in style and mise-en-scene.

This is why Isle of Dogs, Anderson’s second feature length animation after Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009) is such a welcome addition to the canon of films that feature children, are aimed at children, but have adult friendly elements. Isle of Dogs looks like no other mainstream kids film. Anderson’s trademark symmetry and wit are there, but the look, even more so than Fantastic Mr. Fox is superbly detailed and incredibly attractive. The level of detail here is phenomenal and contributes towards a level of complete immersion in this world that feels neither of the past, present or future, but of its own time and being. You would surely benefit from repeated viewings, but conversely, one viewing is very satisfying. It is an experience that is difficult to dislike. And, for a child, who has been brought up with a repetitive animated aesthetic, Isle of Dogs will feel like a unique viewing experience, without sacrificing humour, story or characters.

There have been charges of cultural appropriation aimed at it, but it doesn’t feel manipulative or disrespectful. It is a piece of work that is lovingly created and while it does draw on stereotypical images, there is care in how they are handled. There are few filmmakers who deal with issues of childhood (whether animated or not) with such respect and sensitivity and Isle of Dogs enriches the Anderson canon further in this direction.