Watch Nina Conti: Her Master's Voice

Nina Conti: Her Master's Voice is a documentary-style film that explores the world of ventriloquism through the eyes of comedian and ventriloquist Nina Conti. The film takes an intimate look at Nina's life and art, as she grapples with the challenges and rewards of performing with her troupe of puppets. The movie opens with Conti performing her act at a small theatre in London. She introduces us to her two most famous puppets, Monk and Ken, who have been her companions for over a decade. Through her interactions with them, and her conversations with the audience, we begin to see the complexity and depth of her act. Conti is not simply making her puppets talk, she is engaging in a complex dance of performance where the lines between puppet and puppeteer are often blurred.

As the film progresses, Conti travels around the globe, performing at festivals and theatres in the UK, the United States, and Australia. Along the way, she reflects on the history of ventriloquism, sharing insights into its roots and evolution over time. We also meet a series of other ventriloquists, who discuss the challenges and rewards of their craft.

One of the most fascinating parts of the film is the role that technology plays in modern ventriloquism. Conti and her colleagues tap into the latest advances in robotics and puppetry to create increasingly realistic and expressive characters. We see her experimenting with new designs and concepts, trying to push the boundaries of what ventriloquism can accomplish.

Another key aspect of the film is the relationship between the ventriloquist and their puppets. Conti talks about the complex emotional connections she has formed with her characters, and the trust that is required to make the performances succeed. She also explores the darker side of this relationship, as she grapples with the fact that her puppets are, in some ways, extensions of herself.

Throughout the film, Conti is joined by a host of other performers, including actor Jim Broadbent and writer Daisy Campbell. Together, they explore the myriad of themes and ideas that surround the art of ventriloquism. We see them engaging in deep conversations about identity, performance, and storytelling, all of which contribute to a rich and engaging exploration of this fascinating art form.

At its core, Nina Conti: Her Master's Voice is a deeply personal and honest look at the world of ventriloquism. Through Conti's eyes, we see the joys and challenges of creating characters out of thin air, and the impact that these characters can have on both the performer and their audience. Whether you're a fan of ventriloquism or simply interested in exploring new kinds of performance art, this film is sure to have something to offer.

Nina Conti: Her Master's Voice is a 2012 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 4 minutes.