Review of Zoo (1988) by Chucho E. Q — 30 Apr 2007

When first pondering the idea of making a documentary centering around a group of zoophilic men and women, filmmaker Robinson Devor must have sat down and made himself a comprehensive list of every possible way in the filmic world not to make it exploitative or judgmental.

What resulted was one of the most unconventional docs I have ever seen, laced throughout with sweeping, poetic interludes and lushly filmed dramatic recreations that press less upon the dark, sadistic nature of the tale and more on the surreal beauty of the Pacific Northwest and the fragile mindset of the participants.

This choice of what I might call "extreme artistry" is an interesting one, though I think that given the subject and the intrigue that the story itself generated, I would have preferred a more categorical style.

If I hadn't been living in Washington at the time, I would have no idea what happened and this documentary leaves out basic information until about halfway through the film. It instead meanders from one beautifully shot set piece to another, with interviewees continually making general statements that don't enlighten me much, but that are cut up and timed to the picture so as to enhance the mood.

Though I enjoyed this film, which almost seems like a dark homage to legend Errol Morris, I am starved for information...the content itself would be enough for a fascinating film without the director's relentless artistic ambition.