New Yorker Films’ My Dog Tulip is a slow-moving, valentine to both the canine and the British vernacular. Based on the 1956 book by J.R. Ackerley, Paul Fierlinger’s film revolves around a geriatric British man and his relationship with his German shepherd. Geared more towards adults than children, the 82-minute yarn draws on the paintings of Fierlinger’s wife Sandra, who created both the backgrounds and the characters.
Filmed in TVPaint, the film was awarded honorable mention for Best Animated Film at the 2009 Ottawa International Animation Festival. Voiced impeccably by the venerable Christopher Plummer, My Dog Tulip’s protagonist recounts visits to the vet (Isabella Rossellini), the arrival of his sister Nancy (Lynn Redgrave) and his long-lost friend Captain Pugh (Brian Murray) and how each one vies for the affection of Tulip.
Laden with humor, wit and charm, its a deeply affecting story that draws on the vivid imagination of both Fierlingers and Plummer’s winning conviction. Now screening at New York’s Film Forum through Sept. 14, the film is slated to hit other theaters in the near future. For more details, visit the film’s Web site.
