In his film, David Claerbout appropriates the classic 1967 animated movie The Jungle Book (based on Rudyard Kipling’s book of the same name) and turns its fairy-tale narrative on its head. Choosing not to retell the sentimental children’s tale of a little boy abandoned in the jungle, instead Claerbout’s reinterpretation completely strips away the anthropomorphism of the animals in the film and even eliminates the central character, the “man-cub”. 

Over three years, Claerbout and a team of artists meticulously hand-redrew each frame of the original movie, constructing a new animation that starkly contrasts with the Disney original. The narrative and voice-over are subtracted, allowing the animals to return to their natural state and move through the jungle as if the story were spontaneously unfolding in their real habitat. Claerbout’s film reminds us of the tendency we humans have to anthropomorphise animals, in our struggle to fully grasp their inner lives, and thus fill this gap with human, relatable characteristics. While anthropomorphism might help us – especially children – connect with animals, it can also lead to misunderstandings, as it often oversimplifies or misinterprets their true behaviours and needs. Recognising the limits of anthropomorphism is therefore essential for more accurate and respectful interactions with animals.