Trailer for Do Donkeys Act?.
In entrancingly rhythmic prose, Willem Dafoe narrates this strange and surprisingly beautiful portrait of a group of donkeys recovering from abuse in a sanctuary. Donkeys might not be the first creatures that come to mind when one thinks of animal rights issues. These supposed “dumb beasts” are misunderstood animals, often subject to neglect and cruelty in a world that doesn’t understand or respect them. The musings of the commentary are juxtaposed with equally poetic images in sequences that observe the animals’ communication patterns and behaviour. An attempt to restore dignity to these disparaged animals, Do Donkeys Act? becomes increasingly attuned to their point of view, asking us to try to see the world as they do—to give the donkey its due. Dafoe’s words imbue the film with unexpected emotional resonance and might just give you a newfound sympathy for the donkey.