Isle of Dogs: Cultural Appropriation, Translation and Creativity

Since its debut, Isle of Dogs has been met with controversy over the question of the film's cultural appropriation and seemingly inexplicable setting in a future Japan. Our film critic, Justin Chang (@JustinCChang), tackled this problem and eloquently asked in his review, "does this white American filmmaker's highly selective, idiosyncratic rendering of an East Asian society constitute a sincere act of homage, or a clueless failure of sensitivity?" In response to Chang's review, and Jen Yamato's (@JenYamato) subsequent discussions about the film on social media, Wes Anderson critics and fans have fought tirelessly over these questions, debating the relationship between appropriation and creative freedom. Should the movie--like the dogs in it--be sent to Trash Island? Our reporters will debate this question, with Mark Olsen (@IndieFocus) moderating, on this week's episode of The Reel.