Watch Etgar Keret: What Animal Are You?

Etgar Keret: What Animal Are You? is a 2012 biographical film that follows the life and work of acclaimed Israeli writer and filmmaker, Etgar Keret. The documentary film takes an intimate look into the personal and creative journey of the artist, exploring his inspirations, perspectives, and achievements. The film starts with a playful scene where Keret is being interviewed by a group of children who ask him what animal he would like to be. The question leads to a conversation about identity, storytelling, and imagination, themes that are central to Keret's work. From this point on, the film takes us on a chronological journey through Keret's life, with interviews, archive footage, animations, and reenactments.

Born in Tel-Aviv in 1967, Keret grew up in a creative and intellectual family who instilled in him a love for literature and storytelling. As a child, he suffered from a rare autoimmune disease that confined him to a wheelchair for years, but he found solace in books and humor. Keret's first published work was a collection of short stories titled "Pipelines," which gained critical acclaim and established him as a leading voice in Israeli literature.

The film explores Keret's writing style, which blends surrealism, absurdism, and humor in a unique and captivating way. We hear from his friends, family, and collaborators, who share anecdotes and insights into his creative process. We also see Keret in action, teaching writing workshops, performing live shows, and engaging with fans from all over the world.

One of the film's highlights is the section on Keret's filmmaking career. He has directed several short films, including "Jellyfish," which won the Best Director Award at the Cannes Film Festival in 2007. The film's co-director, Shira Geffen, talks about her collaboration with Keret and the challenges of adapting his stories to the screen. We also see behind-the-scenes footage of some of Keret's films, which showcase his quirky and imaginative style.

Throughout the film, we get a sense of Keret's worldview, which is both playful and profound. His stories often deal with existential themes, such as identity, mortality, and the human condition, but always with a touch of magic and whimsy. Keret's humor is not just a tool for entertainment but a way of coping with the harsh realities of life. The film shows how Keret's personal experiences, such as the loss of his father, have influenced his writing and made him more empathetic and introspective.

Etgar Keret: What Animal Are You? is not just a biopic but a tribute to the power of storytelling. The film celebrates Keret's unique voice and encourages viewers to embrace their own imagination and creativity. One of the film's most poignant moments is when Keret talks about the influence of his late father, who was a Holocaust survivor. He explains that his father's life taught him the importance of storytelling as a way of preserving memory and giving voice to those who have been silenced.

In conclusion, Etgar Keret: What Animal Are You? is a charming and insightful documentary that gives viewers a glimpse into the mind and heart of one of Israel's most beloved writers. The film captures the essence of Keret's eclectic style and infectious personality while also exploring the deeper themes and emotions behind his work. Whether you're a long-time fan or a newcomer to Keret's writing, this film is a must-see for anyone who loves storytelling and creativity.

Etgar Keret: What Animal Are You? is a 2013 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour.