My Dog Tulip

An English writer in his fifties, living alone, takes in a German Shepherd. The dog is called Tulip and she moves into the centre of his life. He tries to understand her: why she barks, why she runs, why she will not go near anyone. The two of them live together for fifteen years, and the writer sets that time down in full detail, leaving out none of the embarrassing parts. This animated film, adapted from J. R. Ackerley's memoir published in 1956, is work Paul Fierlinger made together with his wife Sandra Fierlinger; Paul drew and directed it and Sandra painted every background and character. It is animation for adults: as much as the endearing side of keeping a dog, it describes the filthy, laborious, bodily side. Christopher Plummer is the writer's voice, with Isabella Rossellini as the vet and Lynn Redgrave as the sister.