Review of My Dog Tulip (2010) by Niels S — 09 Jan 2011

My Dog Tulip is a supremely charming piece of animation. The rough, unfinished-looking sketch style is beautiful and odd; it sometimes feels a bit like an epileptic flip-book, and I mean that in a completely complimentary way. The funny notebook page portions are especially enjoyable, when Tulip is personified to the point of hilarity to great effect.

This is a movie that anyone can enjoy but that is especially affecting for dog lovers such as myself. The film focuses in on aspects of dog life such as pooping inappropriate places and trying to get pregnant. It's a different approach to a somewhat familiar subject, and the connection between the owner (perfectly voiced by Christopher Plummer) and Tulip comes through in unexpected ways. Even more surprising, the obligatory passing of the titular pet is handled in an way that is anything but manipulative. Instead, it's presented as an inevitable fact in life, the literal ending of a friendship that defines a life in funny, subtle ways.