Directors: Paul and Sandra Fierlinger Co-Producers: Howard Kaminsky, Frank Pellegrino and Norman Twain Production Company: Norman Twain Productions Based on novel by: J.R. Ackerley Original music score and sound design: John Avarese
FILM DETAILS
Genre: Animation Release Year: 2009 Duration: 81 minutes Animation Style: Hand drawn using TVPaint software
While most animation is for children, this film is directed toward the adult sensibility.
CAST
Christopher Plummer as J.R. Ackerley (narrator) Lynn Redgrave as Nancy / Greengrocer's Wife Isabella Rossellini as Ms. Canvenini Euan Morton as Bicyclist / Rude Veterinarian Peter Gerety as Mr. Plum / Pugilist Brian Murray as Captain Pugh / Mr. Blandish Paul Hecht as Army Veterinarian
AWARDS
2009: Premiered at Annecy International Animated Film Festival 2009: Honourable Mention for Best Animated Film (Ottawa International Animation Festival) 2011: Grand Prix - Best Feature Film (World Festival of Animated Film Zagreb - Animafest Zagreb)
Euan Morton lent his voice to two characters in the animated film My Dog Tulip, a critically acclaimed adaptation of J.R. Ackerley's 1956 memoir. This adult-oriented animated feature tells the story of the 15-year relationship between Ackerley and his rescued German Shepherd dog.
About the Film
Released in 2009, My Dog Tulip is an animated drama created by husband and wife team Paul and Sandra Fierlinger. The film tells the story of Ackerley's fifteen-year relationship with his Alsatian dog (German Shepherd) Queenie, who had been renamed Tulip for the book.
This film is unique as it was entirely hand drawn and painted utilizing paperless computer technology (TVPaint). The Fierlingers created approximately 60,000 drawings for the film, comprising about 460 scenes and about 600 individual background paintings. The film includes 116,640 frames, with every frame shot twice, making 12 original frames for each second of projection time or 720 drawings per minute. At a length of 81 minutes, the film includes 58,320 drawings.
(Source: tvpaint.com)
The animation alternates between several styles: fully rendered scenes, simple drawings, black and white line illustrations and quick notepad sketches. This artistic approach perfectly complements the warm, introspective narrative provided by Christopher Plummer as Ackerley.
Euan's Roles
In My Dog Tulip, Euan Morton voiced two distinct characters:
A Cyclist - One of the characters encountered in London's streets
A Rude Veterinarian - Highlighting the sometimes challenging relationship between Ackerley and those who interacted with his beloved dog
About the Source Material
The film is based on J.R. Ackerley's 1956 memoir of the same name. Ackerley was a notable British editor who fostered the careers of many important writers. From 1935 until 1959, he edited The Listener, BBC's weekly literature and arts journal.
In My Dog Tulip, the focus shifts from Ackerley's personal life to that of his dog Queenie (renamed Tulip for publication). The book was divisive upon its original publication in England in 1956, with readers clearly split between those who loved it and those who loathed it.
Truman Capote once described Ackerley's book as "one of the greatest books ever written by anybody," highlighting its unique approach to the human-animal bond.
Critical Reception
Critics praised My Dog Tulip for its intelligent approach to the human-canine relationship. Roger Ebert's review described it as "a natural history" where "Ackerley is educated by Tulip in the needs and ways of domesticated dogs."
The film has been celebrated for its adult sensibility, unique animation style, and the quality of its voice performances. It stands out as a rare example of animation that explores mature themes with nuance and sophistication.
The film's hand-drawn watercolor style received particular praise, with reviewers noting how well the artistic approach complemented the introspective and sometimes melancholic tone of Ackerley's story.
