Symbolic Use of Animals in Filmmaking

Filmmaking is more than just about presenting a story—it is about bringing to life themes, emotions, and sentiments in a way that resonates with the audience. One profound way to accomplish this is through the symbolic use of animals. Animals, with their diverse characteristics, inhabit our planet, and thus, have been very powerful symbols in various forms of storytelling, including films. This article demystifies the symbolic use of animals in cinema and provides tips for emerging filmmakers to incorporate these elements successfully into their works.

Understanding Animal Symbolism in Film

The symbolism of animals has pervaded storytelling for centuries. Animals are employed to represent various human qualities, emotions, or societal themes within these narratives, serving to either enhance the storyline, deepen the character development, or add a layer of profundity. For example, a lion is regarded as a symbol of courage, while a snake is often connected with deceit.

The 1967 film, “Doctor Dolittle,” is a classic example. In this film, the protagonist can communicate with animals, a trait symbolizing a deep connection to nature and an understanding beyond human limitations. This interaction with animals distinctly highlights themes of empathy and the importance of listening to every creature’s voice.

Another illustration of the symbolic use of animals in a movie is “The Zookeeper’s Wife” (2017), where the animals in the zoo stand as the metaphor for the human experiences during World War II, effectively reflecting the war’s chaos and suffering.

Practical Tips for Using Animal Symbols

If you’re a filmmaker looking to incorporate animal symbolism into your work, here are some useful tips:

1. Choose Animals That Align with Your Theme: It is essential to select animals that resonate with the themes or emotions you aim to represent. A dove, for instance, is often associated with peace, while a wolf can symbolize danger or loyalty.

2. Integrate Animals Naturally into the Story: The animal’s inclusion should not feel forced or unnatural; instead, it should effortlessly blend into the narrative. A forced symbolism can distract the audience instead of enhancing the storyline.

3. Use Visual Cues Subtly: In some instances, the mere presence of an animal or its imagery (like a painting or statue) can subtly convey symbolism without explicitly stating it. This subtlety can add significant depth to your storytelling.

4. Research Cultural Significance: Being aware of cultural meanings about certain animals is instrumental, especially if you aim to cater to a global audience with your film. The same animal may have different symbolic interpretations across cultures—sacred in one culture, it may be considered negative in another.

Learning from Notable Examples

One way to garner useful insights on weaving animal symbolism into your narrative is by studying films that have done so exemplarily. “Grizzly Man” (2005) draws upon the symbolism of bears to beautifully portray the complex relationship between humans and the natural world. Here, bears represent both the allure and the peril of the wilderness.

In “Au Hasard Balthazar” (1966), the journey of a donkey is ingeniously used to mirror human suffering and redemption, providing a deep commentary on innocence and cruelty.

Next Steps

Here are some recommendations for your next step:

• Identify the core themes of your narrative and consider which animals could symbolize these themes accurately.
• Carry out in-depth research on the symbolism of the animals in various cultures to ensure alignment with your intended message.
• Plan the incorporation of these animals into your narrative so that it appears natural and enhances the storyline.
• Assimilate the lessons learned from films known for their effective use of animal symbolism to orient your work.
• Consult with experts or cultural advisors to ensure accurate and respectful animal representation.

Paying good attention to animal symbolism not only endows a deeper significance to your storytelling but also draws a stronger emotional connection with the audience, offering them a richer viewing experience.