Do Donkeys Act?

Do Donkeys Act? is a 2017 documentary movie that takes a sensitive and thoughtful look at mankind’s most enduring beast of burden and close companion, the donkeys. The movie is narrated by the acclaimed actor Willem Dafoe, known for his multi-faceted performances in dramas, action films, and incessantly inventive independent productions.

Straying away from the conventional form of documentary narration, the movie employs a more ecological and observation-based filmmaking approach, taking the audience on an intimate journey into the life, emotions, and world of the donkey. The film is a thought-provoking exploration that aims to investigate the depths of the donkeys' minds, their sentience and their undeniable capacity for complex emotion.

Directed by David Redmon and Ashley Sabin, the film focuses on the undervalued, underappreciated, and often overlooked life of donkeys. The film strikes a remarkably unique balance between the visually arresting and the subtly poignant, giving viewers a rare opportunity to contemplate the rich inner world of these fascinating animals.

The filmmakers undertake a radical departure from the conventional narrative techniques. Instead of interviewing experts, or focusing on human interactions with donkeys, the movie turns the lens squarely on the donkeys themselves, interspersed only with sensitive voice-over narrations by Dafoe. The narrative takes time to observe these animals as individuals, exploring their personalities, their quirks, their interactions with each other, and the unsophisticated elegance of their day-to-day existence.

Willem Dafoe's eloquent narration underscores the entire venture, and his voice adds a compelling layer of narrative depth to the whole documentary. The cadences in Dafoe’s evocative voice lend an unexpected dignity and set in motion the questions about the way animals fit into the natural order, and how humans relate to them.

Structured around a series of vignettes filmed in horse sanctuaries across the world, Do Donkeys Act? weaves together observational footage of the animals as they eat, play, work, heal and rest in their unique landscapes. The camera indulges in long takes that enable the viewer to enter the slow, rhythmic pace of the donkey world. The cinematography is delicate and precise, illuminating the inherent beauty of ordinary moments, from the heaving flanks of a donkey in full run to the gentle intimacy of a donkey's half-closed eye.

One of the distinctive features of Do Donkeys Act? is its direction. By consciously choosing to avoid anthropocentrism - interpreting reality exclusively in relation to humans - and anthropomorphism - attributing human characteristics to non-human entities - the filmmakers apply a keen, unbiased point of view. In doing so, Redmon and Sabin have created a work that resonates with profound respect and empathy for its subjects.

Over the course of the film, viewers are bound to develop a newfound deference towards these humble creatures. We are challenged to consider their perspective, empathize with their circumstances, and most importantly, to appreciate their inherent worth beyond the utilitarian approach typically applied to animals in our daily lives. From a social commentary perspective, the film subtly but significantly hints at important questions regarding the ethical treatment of animals, the deep interconnection between all living beings, and the need for stewardship and respect for nature.

Do Donkeys Act? is a deeply moving and contemplative cinematic experience that transcends the traditional barriers between species, culture, and language. It invites us to step into a world of innocent creatures who have done much for humanity throughout history, and which reciprocates with simple but profound expressions of communication, emotional connection, and bona fide companionship.

With its elegantly paced storytelling, beautifully framed cinematography, and thoughtful examination of donkeys' place in the world, the film becomes a lyrical testament to the intrinsic value of all living beings. Do Donkeys Act? is more than a documentary about donkeys; it’s a captivating meditation on the mystery and beauty of life itself, and a potent reminder of its often neglected, unassuming heroes.