Puppet is a fascinating and insightful film directed by David Soll, released in 2010. It features the talents of Dan Hurlin and David Sefton, along with a supportive cast that brings the film to life. It is a gripping journey through art, puppetry, controversy, tragedy, and the human dimensions that underpin it all.

At its core, Puppet is not just a film about puppetry — it is a thought-provoking exploration of perceptions, individual interpretation, and the seemingly unlimited power of art to provoke, challenge, and disclose what lies within the human spirit.

The movie’s main protagonist is Dan Hurlin, an artist, puppeteer, and educator, who is widely recognised for his remarkable work in the world of puppet theater. Hurlin is showcased as an artist dedicated to his craft, pushing the boundaries of traditional puppet theater with extraordinary dedication and palpable intensity.

David Sefton, a seasoned producer of arts festivals worldwide, gives an excellent commentary throughout the film. His discourse provides a broader context to the narrative while substantially contributing to the construction of Puppet's fundamental themes. Sefton's analysis offers an insider's perspective into the complex relationship between society and contemporary puppet theatre.

Puppet presents a captivating journey into the creative process of Hurlin's critically acclaimed puppet theater show, 'Disfarmer'. This renowned play is based on Mike Disfarmer, an enigmatic figure from American history. Disfarmer, a small-town photographer of the mid-20th Century, became a posthumous cult figure, with his singular portraits documenting the faces of rural Arkansans amidst the Great Depression and World War II.

This film delves intro Hurlin's struggle to understand and represent the ambiguous character of Disfarmer through puppetry. The innovative nature of 'Disfarmer' lies in the fact that it's not aimed at children as traditional puppet shows usually are. Instead, it is conceived as a serious, surrealist piece of art for adults to explore themes of isolation, identity, and the obscure border between life and art.

The documentary's journey through Hurlin’s creative process spotlights the complexity and gravity invested in puppet theater, wherein each intricate gesture of a puppet is crafted meticulously and demands days of labour. Puppet demolishes any existing preconceived notions that puppetry is a lesser form of art or solely created for the amusement of children. This movie aims to underline the powerful artistic potential entailed in this often-underestimated medium.

Puppet presents a compelling argument that puppetry can offer a veil of abstraction; a metaphorical distance that allows audiences to confront difficult or sentimental subjects with more ease and openness. It discusses how puppetry, like any other art form, is subjugated to societal reactions, ranging from admiration to harsh criticism and controversies.

Subtly yet significantly, Puppet also touches upon the contemporary tension between art for art's sake and art as a commodity. It questions whether art always has to have a defined 'meaning' or if it can simply resonate with different individuals in unique ways.

Technically, Puppet is shot in an engaging documentary style with great care given to capture the authenticity of behind-the-scenes workings of a puppet show. The sheer artistry in Hurlin's work is beautifully translated onto the screen, capturing every painstaking detail, every emotion, every dramatic pause with an emotive clarity that resonates with anyone who's ever had a passionate pursuit.

Appreciable efforts have also been put into depicting the personal stories and inspirations that shaped Hurlin’s work, creating a balanced human element within the documentary. This includes interviews with leading figures in puppetry that shed further light on the artistic struggle, sparking a deeper discussion on where puppetry stands amidst contemporary art forms.

In conclusion, Puppet is a brilliant piece of work that transports the audiences into a world where inanimate puppets are imbued with life and feelings. The film navigates profound thematic elements about art, creativity, and personal vision without losing the humanity at its core. Art enthusiasts and those unfamiliar with puppetry alike will find themselves engrossed in this sensitive and thought-provoking film that truly showcases that puppets can, indeed, pull their own strings.