The silent Misrepresentations: How Films Misshape our View of the Animal Kingdom
Table of Contents
From the comedic donkey in Shrek to the poignant portrayal in Au hasard Balthazar (1966) and EO, donkeys have frequently graced the silver screen.A University of Exeter film studies module will examine how film has shaped public perception of donkeys, frequently enough depicting them negatively as stubborn or comedic. This raises a crucial question: are there other animal species whose cinematic representations require a much-needed rehabilitation?
Apes: More Than Just Club-Wielding Villains
Great apes have suffered from consistently negative portrayals in film. While the Planet of the Apes franchise ultimately reveals humanity as the true villain, the series largely centers on intelligent apes outsmarting humans.The depiction of apes is often far from reality. No great ape has ever ridden a horse or fired a gun,
a stark contrast to their frequent portrayal in film. Stanley Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey, as an example, unfairly attributes the origins of human conflict to a single ape’s violent act. Even in the 1933 version of King Kong, the giant ape is initially simply minding his own business
before becoming a victim of human aggression. In reality,great apes largely focus on their own survival within increasingly threatened habitats.
Since Jaws (1975),sharks have been consistently portrayed as menacing villains,often even with the help of wind
as in Sharknado. This portrayal drastically misrepresents the reality of shark attacks, which are extremely rare
. Sharks kill fewer than 10 humans annually, a statistic dwarfed by deaths caused by food poisoning, lawnmowers, or lightning. The stark contrast between the cinematic portrayal of sharks and hippos is striking. Hippos kill more people than sharks each year, yet sharks are associated with menacing musical scores like John Williams’ iconic Jaws theme, while hippos’ most famous cinematic moment is a ballet performance in Disney’s Fantasia (1940).
rabbits: Beyond “Bunny Boiler” and War
Rabbits’ cinematic image is marred by negative stereotypes. Glenn close’s role in Fatal Attraction (1987) cemented the term “bunny boiler,” a misogynistic trope for which Close has apologized. Moreover, Watership Down traumatized a generation with its depiction of war and violence among rabbits. General Woundwort
and the Efrafa warren remain iconic symbols of rabbit conflict. Even the seemingly innocent Velveteen Rabbit carries a degree of unsettling neediness, and the hare in Starve Acre adds to the unsettling rabbit-related imagery. In reality, rabbits are gentle creatures, known for their love of lettuce and prolific reproductive habits, embodying a “make love not war”
ideology.
Penguins: More Than Just Criminals
Recent animation has presented penguins as manipulative and cunning characters. Feathers McGraw, from Wallace and Gromit, is a master criminal, while the penguins of the Madagascar franchise exhibit military-level institution. This contrasts sharply with the frequently chaotic reality of penguin life, as evidenced by this viral clip
showing penguins struggling to identify their own groups. Penguins are also known for their courtship rituals, often involving the exchange of pebbles as gifts. Their cinematic portrayal should move beyond criminal antics and reflect their true nature,more akin to the penguins in Happy Feet.
The University of Exeter’s initiative highlights the need for a more nuanced and accurate representation of animals in film. The examples above demonstrate that many species deserve a cinematic rehabilitation, moving beyond harmful stereotypes and reflecting their true nature.
The Silent Misrepresentation: How Films Shape Our View of the Animal Kingdom
Interview with Dr. Emily Hartman,Professor of Animal studies and Film at the University of Exeter,on Reimagining Our Cinematic Companions
senior Editor (SE): “When you think of a donkey,what’s the first thing that comes to mind? Is it Shrek’s comedic sidekick,or somthing else entirely? Let’s unravel the complex portrayal of animals on screen together. how do films shape public perceptions of these creatures, and could this perhaps influence real-world interactions?”
Dr. Emily Hartman (EH):
Its truly fascinating—and somewhat alarming—how films have the power to mold our perceptions of animals.When moast people think of a donkey, many might first recall the humorous sidekick from Shrek, yet this portrayal masks the animal’s rich past and cultural meaning. Films shape public perception by embedding these stereotypes deeply into our consciousness, ofen overshadowing the real tales of intelligence, survival, and even elegance that these creatures possess.
For instance, many films depict donkeys as stubborn or comedic, missing an opportunity to show their essential role in agricultural history or their sensitivity. Through features like the University of Exeter’s film studies module, we aim to challenge these narratives and promote a broader understanding of donkeys’ true characters in literature and life.
SE: “That’s a thought-provoking perspective. Moving beyond donkeys,how have apes been unjustly represented in films,and what are the real implications of these portrayals?”
EH:
APES: AN INJUSTICE ON THE BIG SCREEN
Apes are frequently enough shrouded in a cinematic veil that paints them as villains,such as in the iconic Planet of the Apes or King Kong. These films attribute conflict and aggression to apes, weaving narratives that are far from the reality of their behavior. For example, none of the great apes naturally engage in horse riding or wielding weapons—activities frequently ascribed to them in stories. Such portrayals perpetuate misunderstandings, potentially impacting conservation efforts and public empathy toward these sentient creatures.
By contrast, consider Stanley Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey, where even an evolutionary leap implicates a single violent act by an ape. Realistically, apes prioritize their own survival amidst challenging environmental conditions. Addressing these misrepresentations can led to better conservation policies and a more nuanced recognition of their ecological role.
SE: “Sharks have faced a similar fate in cinema. What’s behind this perpetual depiction as menacing sea monsters, and shouldn’t we reconsider this narrative?”
EH:
SHARKS: VICTIMS OF A MISCHIEVOUS REPUTATION
As Jaws in 1975, sharks have been unjustly vilified in films. This portrayal is exaggerated when contrasted with the reality—humanity kills significantly more sharks than they do us, with fewer than 10 shark attacks resulting in human casualties annually. Ironically, hippos claim a far deadlier status yet are seldom depicted with similar dramatic undertones.
Cinematic scores and scenes heighten this narrative, such as the iconic Jaws theme, whereas hippos star in unexpected roles like in Disney’s Fantasia. Reimagining sharks through documentaries like Blue Planet or inspiring films like The Lonely Shark can help correct misperceptions, highlighting their role as misunderstood predators crucial for oceanic ecosystems.
SE: “What about the image of rabbits in film? How does cinema’s take on them compare with the reality of these creatures, and why is it important to understand the differences?”
EH:
RABBITS: FROM BUNNY BOILERS TO MESSENGERS OF PEACE
Cinema has sadly crafted an image of rabbits steeped in negativity. From the “bunny boiler” trope in Fatal Attraction to the wartime horrors depicted in Watership Down, rabbits are often shadows of unease. Yet, in reality, these beings embody a peaceful existence with charming behaviors like their love for lettuce and prolific nature.
By exploring stories like Bugs Bunny or reflecting on the innocence in narratives such as Miss Bunny Nightingale, we can appreciate their genuine nature.understanding these nuances not only fosters a more accurate perception but also encourages humane treatment and habitat protection.
SE: “Lastly, penguins have often found themselves portrayed as cunning criminals.How do these misrepresentations overlook their true nature,especially in the eyes of conservationists?”
EH:
PENGUINS: BEYOND CRIMINAL CHARADES
Penguins frequently take on roles that showcase wit and mischief in animations like Wallace and Gromit or Madagascar.Yet, these portrayals trivialize the complexity of their real lives, which are noted for elaborate social structures and courtship rituals, including the use of pebbles as gifts.
The viral footage showing them struggling to reunite in their colonies underscores the genuine challenges they face, notably due to climate change. Champions of these creatures advocate showing penguins more authentically,as seen in films like Happy Feet,focusing on their distinctive dances and social behaviors,thereby encouraging public appreciation and protective measures.
SE: “Dr. Hartman, why is it crucial for us to recalibrate our cinematic perceptions of animals and how can filmmakers contribute to this evolving narrative?”
EH:
The duty of accurate depiction lies significantly with filmmakers who shape cultural narratives through cinema. By portraying animals more faithfully,filmmakers can inspire conservation efforts and empathy,fostering a more harmonious coexistence with our fellow earth inhabitants.
As audiences, being mindful of and challenging these stereotypes when encountered on screen transforms our understanding and interactions in reality. Continued collaboration between educators, filmmakers, and scientists is essential in reformulating how we view these creatures, ensuring their stories are shared with respect and truth.
Join the conversation by sharing your thoughts or favorite animal portrayals in film’s comments section below.