Cinecity: Heart Of A Dog

Commissioned by European TV network Arte, Laurie Anderson’s first film in 30 years fuses animation, home video footage, narration, montage and music. The soundtrack is understandably the centrepiece, with original pieces and excerpts from her albums sounding surprisingly cohesive and carefully, melodically constructed. Loosely focusing on her beloved pet Rat Terrier Lolabelle, the film delves into the subject of death in a lighthearted way, the climate of surveillance post-9/11 and her own life. There are many funny moments however, including Lolabelle playing experimental keyboard in front of an audience, dog artwork and dog clogs. An occasionally beautiful, evocative, quiet film which floated by enjoyably.

Duke of York’s, 27 November 2015
Rating:
Joe Fuller