The arrival of any pet into a loving family is always a story. It may not be one fit for a movie, but it is always a story.
Seth Keal’s “Cat Cam” is a story fit for a movie.
Embracing the American dream and showing us another side of felines, the film is an enjoyable 16-minute diversion you’ll remember as one of the best shorts of the 2012 Tribeca Film Festival.
The relationship between cat and master is adorable. To see the Perthold’s cat, Mr. Lee, come into the family and completely change the dichotomy is pure, honest and wholesome. Lee eventually turns his biggest detractor, Juergen Perthold, the man of the house, into his most loving fan and confidant and shows us all that feline or not, he’s a pretty damn good photographer. To see the family come from Germany and begin their lives in America with this new addition proves that good things happen to good people with ideas and the work ethic to support their dreams.
While the interviews with the family are fun and off-beat, the photos taken by the cat, with the thanks of Jordan’s home-made camera, give this short a variety and depth not many can claim. The drawings leading up to the creation of the camera are also charming. Make no mistake, as humble as both he and his cat are, they are both special. They deserve our attention.
Keal has done a great job of showing this duo in an honest and intriguing light, which makes this film a poignant one. In a day when feel-good stories don’t get the attention they used to, “Cat Cam” and its ability to make you smile, accomplishes so much more than a million dollar action film.
It’ll make you go grab your cat and give it a hug. Maybe even a kiss.
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