Jan 31, 2013

Cattle Call" Matt Rankin and Mike Maryniuk.

"Cattle Call" (2008) is a fascinating glimpse into a world that is completely foreign to me. It made a strong impression on me when I saw it in Ottawa a few years ago, and now that it's online, I'm happy to report that I find it just as exhilarating to see again.

Directed by Matt Rankin and Mike Mariniuk, the film exposes the art inherent in livestock auctions, which filmmaker Werner Herzog once described as "the last possible poetry, the poetry of capitalism."

Filmmakers Rankin and Maliniuk use a variety of techniques to capture the insane energy of their subject matter, including stop motion, cut-outs, open exposures, drilling, and rubbing letraset directly onto celluloid. They succeeded in turning this large, experimental work into a highly enjoyable piece of art. Their unconventional approach also demonstrates that the documentary format in animation offers non-literal, non-narrative possibilities that transcend the formal limitations of live action documentaries.