Independent Lens Season 8 Episode 3 Still Life with Animated Dogs

Still Life with Animated Dogs is the third episode of the eighth season of the Emmy Award-winning documentary series, Independent Lens. The episode explores the life and work of renowned American artist, Sam Messer, who's known for creating whimsical and surprisingly intimate animated films.

The episode takes viewers on a journey through Messer's creative process, providing a behind-the-scenes look at the making of one of his most personal works, Still Life with Animated Dogs, which he made as a tribute to his beloved dog, Roo.

Messer's art is often characterized by his use of drawing, painting, and animation. He explains that his work is a way of confronting and dealing with difficult emotions, including fear, loss, and grief. In Still Life, he channels these emotions into a deeply moving exploration of the bond between dogs and their owners, using hand-drawn animation to bring his own experiences to life.

Throughout the episode, viewers are introduced to Messer's family and friends, including his wife, fellow artist Diana Copperwhite, and his close friend and fellow artist, Vincent Desiderio. Through their interviews and interactions with Messer, viewers learn about the impact that his art has had on his life and the lives of those around him.

One of the most intriguing aspects of Still Life with Animated Dogs is the way that Messer blends reality and fiction in his storytelling. In addition to his own personal experiences, he draws inspiration from classic literature and mythology, weaving references to Shakespeare's Hamlet and the Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice into his work.

As viewers watch the film take shape, they get a sense of how Messer's vision for the project evolved over time. He explains that he started out with a simple idea, but as he began to flesh out the story, he found himself incorporating more and more of his own experiences into the narrative.

There are moments in Still Life that are both heartwarming and heartbreaking, as Messer uses his art to explore the complex emotions that come with loving and losing a pet. Through his thoughtful and evocative storytelling, he provides a touching tribute to his dog, Roo, and to the countless other dogs who have enriched the lives of dog owners around the world.

Overall, Still Life with Animated Dogs is a powerful and thought-provoking exploration of grief, love, and the unbreakable bond between humans and their furry companions. The documentary provides a rare glimpse into the creative process of an iconic artist, and is sure to leave viewers feeling inspired and moved.