My introduction to the works of the late British animator Alison de Vere, an oneiric journey of self-discovery heavy on satire and mystical imagery.
The titular black dog plays here the role of a tutelary spirit, guiding the female protagonist towards different kinds of dream kind landscapes, being her guide and protector.
It feels like some post-modern take on the Divine Comedy, exploring firstly the earthly temptations, portrayed via consummerism, animal exploitation and a shallow search for pleasure, before travelling towards the path of enlightenment.
The final scenes, with the woman slowly becoming younger as her symbolic child grows up before waking up was a beautiful, poetic conclusion to this captivating dream journey.
Even when the animation isn't particularly amazing from a technical standpoint, this is largely offset by the great lyricism of the work as a whole.
The titular black dog plays here the role of a tutelary spirit, guiding the female protagonist towards different kinds of dream kind landscapes, being her guide and protector.
It feels like some post-modern take on the Divine Comedy, exploring firstly the earthly temptations, portrayed via consummerism, animal exploitation and a shallow search for pleasure, before travelling towards the path of enlightenment.
The final scenes, with the woman slowly becoming younger as her symbolic child grows up before waking up was a beautiful, poetic conclusion to this captivating dream journey.
Even when the animation isn't particularly amazing from a technical standpoint, this is largely offset by the great lyricism of the work as a whole.
