The filmmaker responsible for “La Puppé” describes himself as “the patriarch of the French New Wave, plush toy movement.” It is this absurdity that lends promise to this darkly funny short film about a toy dog that has lost his way.
Told in a series of black-and-white stills against a bitingly pretentious soundtrack of post-modern film, “La Puppé” follows a plush dog through the park where it is kidnapped for scientific experimentation. The puppy is tortured and poked and prodded. Marty (the director) narrates the film in a dry, monotonous tone, showing his contempt for life and artists who take themselves too seriously.
La Puppé plans a daring escape to free himself from the clutches of his evil captors and returns to frolic in the park and find his true mother. However, he also learns an important lesson about looking both ways before crossing the street.
Although the film should be viewed projected on a screen in a dark theatre (to fully reach the transcendental depths of artistic over consumption), it is a must see anywhere you can. Currently, it is playing at www.triggerstreet.com, the online film festival.
