Film of the Week: Isle of Dogs

This beautiful tale about a boy wanting to find his lost dog after all the dogs in Japan was exiled to Trash Island when they contracted a disease which the people feared would spread to them, is light-hearted enough for anyone to watch. It’s a different style of stop-motion animation, to set itself apart from other stop-motion films.

Artistically, Wes Anderson has made all the right decisions to make Isle of Dogs near perfection. This story is purely told from the dogs’ perspectives. At the beginning, we’re presented with a card explaining the Japanese hasn’t been translated but the dogs’ barks have been translated into English. Isle of Dogs is a western animation film, portraying the Japanese culture. This has caused slight controversy regarding the portrayal, as some has criticised the film for stating stereotypical Japanese instead.

Wes Anderson’s decision to not include subtitles when the Japanese people are talking keeps the realism between human and dog interaction. The dogs will hear the Japanese speaking in their native tongue, and as shown in the film only understand a select few words and commands. The barks, if left as barks, would needed to be subtitled, it would take away what I believe is artistic symbolism referencing the foreign nature of our tongues compared to that of a bark of a dog. Whilst it is a valid statement to say it would’ve been logical for a western animation film to include English voices – that wouldn’t necessarily be in-keeping with the barrier between human and dog. As it is a western animation, translating the barks into English helps the audience understand the story seen from the eyes of the dogs.

However, it is understandable that in-keeping with the artistic imagery, an unintentional slight misrepresentation has occurred. Not to subtitle the Japanese speakers but instead only use in-film translators, does allow for a new angle of humour not often previously seen. Broadcasting all around the world, the English translators are telling us what is going on in Japan, and that does allow for some unique aspects of telling a film, as we are allowed to react to their comedic reactions to sudden actions throughout the film, as well as some genuine sad moments, reinforced by those who have to repeat what is being said by the Japanese public.

It’s a cleverly orchestrated film, moulded around a strong idea that has a deep message in the centre. Dogs are man’s best friend.

Thanks for reading

Antony Hudson

(TonyHadNouns)