Bob Spit: We Do Not Like People

Bob Spit: We Do Not Like People is an intriguing animated documentary film that combines surreal visual style with social critique to tell the story of the titular punk-musician turned comic artist, Bob Spit, interspersed with glimpses of the life of the creator himself, Angeli. This Brazilian film, directed by Cesar Cabral and launched in 2020, strikes a shrewd balance of art and reality that makes for a captivating experience.

The plot structure is arranged to alternate between documentary-style interviews and sequences, interspersed with dramatized vignettes drawn from Angeli's abundant art and graphic stories. The film cleverly introduces us to Bob Spit, a character created by Angeli, an anarchic punk rocker who lives his life in a dystopian future, where he is the last man standing in a desert referred to as the "Drylands."

Bob Spit, who is nothing short of an embodiment of Angeli’s creative angst and non-conformist ideology, has many philosophical musings about life, its complexities, and inherent contradictions. His life in the Drylands, dealing with a world of anthropomorphic guitar-axe wielding cockroaches, serves as a metaphorical space that reflects upon the societal, political, and environmental issues plaguing contemporary society.

Simultaneously, in "real world" sequences, we witness the creator, Angeli's life and career in São Paulo, from playing in a punk rock band to becoming one of Brazil's most influential cartoonists. Viewers are given insight into Angeli's artistic process, personal experiences, social commentary works, and the philosophical ideas that shape his creations. The scenes are filmed in a faux-documentary style, blending animation and live-action, adding a layer of reality to the surrealistic narrative.

What sets 'Bob Spit: We Do Not Like People' apart is the animation style that weaves a narrative out of Angeli’s own artwork. The punk aesthetics that dominate his work stunningly translates into stop-motion animation, a visual treat that speaks volumes about the intricacy and detail involved. Every frame is alive with the rebellious spirit of punk, filled with rambunctious energy which is contrasted by the solemn tones of Angeli's introspective musings about the world.

The film emphasizes the sprawling journey of Angeli's career, as well as his character Bob Spit's disjointed existence in the post-apocalyptic Drylands. This duality presents a riveting mix of animation and live-action segments that act as a vessel, carrying the film's themes of artistic expression, political unrest, societal critique, and environmental decay. All this while depicting a clear and unfiltered look into the unique mind of Angeli.

Without pandering to melodrama, Cabral imbues his film with a degree of pathos, blending his visual narrative style with the interwoven strands of existential dread, social criticism, and black humor that have been hallmarks of Angeli's work.

Bob Spit: We Do Not Like People is a thought-provoking, edgy, and visually striking film. It is a remarkable homage to a tremendous artist, a fascinating and intricate portrayal of a unique mind, and a curated showcase of Angeli’s long-standing contributions to the Brazilian art and comics scene. Additionally, it carries Angeli’s social commentaries and critiques, as relevant and poignant as ever, to wider international audiences.

Film lovers, fans of distinct animation styles, and those with an interest in narratives focusing on artists and their creative processes will find the film enriched with nuanced storytelling, colorful characters, and thoughtful commentary on the state of the modern world. Despite its surreal setting, viewers might marvel at the reflective nature of the film, hinting at human idiosyncrasies and the contemporary reality beneath all its animated glory.

Irreverent, insightful, and emotionally complex, Bob Spit: We Do Not Like People is indeed a cinematic treat, commanding from its viewers as much reflection as it delivers in entertainment.