Animals Are Beautiful People

Animals Are Beautiful People, a 1974 classic documentary, is a delightful exploration of wildlife set against the backdrop of southern Africa's often harsh and unpredictable environment. The movie is directed by Jamie Uys, noted for his contribution to the wildlife genre and offers an ingenious blend of education and entertainment. The film showcases a plethora of animals, seeming to express a narrative that underscores not only the beauty but also the inherent humour and, at times, human-like characteristics in creatures of the wild.

In a soothing and captivating voice, Irish actor Paddy O'Byrne provides the narration that glues the film together. His common-man explanation of complex animal behavior, presented in an engaging, conversational style, quickly makes the unfamiliar very relatable and is one of the film's major highlights.

Contrary to many standard nature documentaries, which often focus primarily on predatory behavior, Animals Are Beautiful People paints a vivid picture of the interconnectedness of life - from insects, birds, and reptiles to mammals - within various African habitats. While the emphasis is still on wildlife, interactions with their environment and each other, interaction with humans, is rarely seen in this delightful, upbeat film. Instead, it provides an insightful window into diverse animal societies, punctuated with moments of clever humor and playful observation.

The film starts in the Namib Desert, where there seems to be no life at all due to the ruthless environmental conditions. Then, as if unfolding a magical, life-imbued tapestry, the director introduces the inhabitants - from small beetles to snakes, from meerkats to desert-based elephants. Each species illustrates the beauty of survival and adaptation in an environment that, at first glance, appears lifeless and hostile.

Moving on to the Okavango Delta, the film presents a stark contrast to the desert landscape. Here, an abundance of water and greenery allows a more diverse range of species to coexist and thrive. It portrays the nuanced relationships between species, the delicate balance of predator and prey, and the intelligence and resourcefulness animals exhibit to ensure survival.

The movie contrasts jaw-dropping sequences of herds of elephants wading through flooded plains, busy bee-eaters swooping for airborne meals, with moments of levity such as baboons experiencing the after-effects of overindulging in naturally fermented Marula fruit. While the film may exaggerate some of these lighter moments for comedic effect, it does so without undermining the overall respect and admiration its narrative commands for the wildlife presented.

However, Animals Are Beautiful People is not merely an escapist retreat into the world of wildlife. It subtly evokes thought-provoking reflections on themes of survival, resilience, interconnectedness of life, and indeed, the sheer spectacle of nature. The film itself can be seen as an early and intriguing exercise in anthropomorphism, attributing relatable human behaviors to animals, while retaining authenticity in documentation.

The cinematography shines through, capturing the grandeur of Africa’s landscapes and the charm of its wildlife. Many shots present visual spectacles of breathtaking beauty as well as moments of candid intimacy. Combined with an evocative score, the film's high production values set it apart from traditional, lecture-style wildlife documentaries of the time.

The use of slow-motion, fast motion, aerial shots, and ground-level perspectives, combined with thoughtful editing, produces dynamic and immersive sequences. Not only do they underscore the beauty of the animals but also the unpredictability of wild life, enabling the viewer to share the breath-holding tension of a hunting scene or the simple serenity of life around the watering hole.

What makes Animals Are Beautiful People truly charming is how it invites the viewer into the lives of these creatures with humor, warmth, and respect. The film's incorporations of comedic aspects associated with the various exploits and daily life struggles of the animals, adds to the film's enduring appeal. It illustrates the essence of creativity in storytelling, thereby making this educational journey a captivating saga and a unique cinematic experience.

In conclusion, Animals Are Beautiful People is a classic wildlife documentary that continues to entertain and inspire, even after nearly five decades since its release. It makes you laugh, keeps you engrossed, educates, and ultimately leaves the viewer with a sense of awe, gratitude, and a renewed respect for the creatures that share our planet. It is a testament to the fact that animals indeed, are beautiful people, with personalities, resilience, complex societies, and an integral role within nature's grand tapestry.