The Animals Film
Available on Prime Video, BFI Player Classics
Controversial, confrontational... twenty-six years after it first shocked British cinema and television audiences, The Animals Film is back This world renowned, explosive feature-documentary is controversial, confrontational and riveting. This unique work received worldwide critical acclaim for its filmic power, questioning how and why modern societies exploit animals for food, fur, sport, entertainment and science. It showed scenes that had never been filmed before and footage uncovered through dogged research. In the UK it was first shown in November 1982 and caused uproar and thereafter was shown around the world. The film is noteworthy for its groundbreaking ironic style, integrating diverse found footage including cartoons, newsreels, advertisements, and government propaganda films, mingled with vox pops and rock music. Including volatile material which was censored on the original release filmed sequences of animal liberation raids and clandestine interviews with the campaigners involved. Narrated by Julie Christie, with music by David Byrne/Talking Heads and a compelling score composed and performed by Robert Wyatt, the film inspired a generation of vegetarians, and remains an acutely resonant work for today.
Starring Julie Christie, Sandy Dennis
Director Victor Schonfeld, Myriam Alaux