Living in an Animal’s World
The merging of human and animal lives has never been one to settle calmly. Juxtapositions of power dynamics and dominance occur in this clash, along with a social commentary on both human and animal worlds.
Michel Comte. Beauty and the Beast (Zebra II), 1996. Shared via Guy Hepner © All rights belong to their respective owners. No copyright infringement intended.
Man and nature have always shared a bond so intricately intertwined that it's often unclear where one ends and the other begins. Some people have chosen to live extraordinary, unconventional lives, blending human and nature. For some, this involves forging unique, intriguing relationships with animals. There are countless examples, each more extraordinary than the last.
The Birds (1963), Directed by Alfred Hitchcock, starring Rod Taylor, Tippi Hedren, Suzanne Pleshette, Jessica Tandy. © All rights belong to their respective owners. No copyright infringement intended.
One of the most extraordinary and famous examples is Tippi Hedren. Hedren is a woman who has truly lived in an animal's world. A model and actress, she is best known for her lifelong obsession with wild creatures and exotic wildlife. Two extreme film productions, both involving the wildest of animals, helped shape her career and public image. During the filming of her first major role in The Birds (1963), Hedren endured several traumatic experiences, including an unplanned, dangerous scene in which live birds were hurled at her. Though this might not sound too frightening, the image of hundreds of birds descending changes everything. Surprisingly, after this film, she wasn't done with wild animals. Roar (1981) was a film that was controversial at the time and remains so to this day. Why so controversial? One might ask. Directed by her then-husband Noel Marshall, the film is infamous for using real wild animals, primarily big cats. For the couple, it was a passion project; for audiences, it was an unsettling watch. Though the film aimed to raise awareness about the exploitation of animals in captivity, its production methods sparked most of the controversy. The cast included 150 untrained big cats, interacting with the human cast and crew. It’s easy to assume this led to numerous injuries during filming. And rightfully so. Hedren herself was attacked by a lion, sustaining deep cuts and lasting scars. Even worse, her daughter was also injured when a lion attacked her during production. Both films used dangerous, unorthodox methods, leaving physical and psychological scars on the cast. But what can a girl do when she’s living in an animal’s world?
Roar (1981), Directed by Noel Marshall, starring Tippi Hedren, Melanie Griffith, Noel Marshall. © All rights belong to their respective owners. No copyright infringement intended.
Hedren is far from the only person deeply connected to animals. Richard Avedon, a celebrated photographer renowned for his iconic portraits, also delved into the dynamic between humans and animals. While famous for capturing human emotions and personalities, Avedon had a fascination with animals, vividly expressed in his work. He was particularly skilled at revealing the vulnerability and power of his subjects, and when photographing interactions between humans and animals, he often did so in the context of fashion photography. This led to the creation of pictures containing striking juxtapositions between the lives of animals and humans, simultaneously functioning as a social commentary. One of his most famous shoots, for Harper’s Bazaar in 1955, featured model Dovima posing between two enormous elephants. The contrast was striking: the grace and elegance of the model set against the strength of the elephants, creating a visually captivating image. This portrayal of power dynamics highlighted the vulnerability and majesty of both subjects. Avedon’s work with animals mirrored his work with people, always seeking to reveal their inner nature and the tension between them and their surroundings.
Richard Avedon, Dovima with Elephants (1955), evening dress by Dior, Harper's Bazaar. © All rights belong to their respective owners. No copyright infringement intended.
Richard Avedon, Marilyn Monroe and Tiger (1957), Life Magazine. © All rights belong to their respective owners. No copyright infringement intended.
As beautiful or unsettling as these depictions of humans and animals can be, they provoke deeper questions. Where does the line between animal and man lie? Do we blend together in the symphony of nature, or are we starkly divided by a human world of capitalism, exploitation, and power? Where are our differences, and how are they honoured or portrayed? Are we meant to live more harmoniously alongside animals than we do today, or should that line remain? Who comes to your mind when we talk about living in an animal’s world? Interestingly, does this carry a positive or negative connotation for you?
