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The article focuses on the emergence of a new class of animal performances, the ones which can take direction and act more naturally in films. It describes the performance of a cat in Marielle Heller's film "Can You Ever Forgive Me?" to show that animals are getting better at acting. The factors contributing to this trend are discussed, including the changes in the treatment of animals, and more sophisticated training methods.

The article presents criticism on the American animated film "The Jungle Book" directed by Wolfgang Reitherman. It explores the film's the story of an orphan Mowgli, raised by solicitous wolves in the wilds of India It features the animal characters of the film which includes Kaa the snake, Baloo the bear and Shere Khan the tiger. It also presents the film's theme on civil disturbance among animal rights and welfare.

The article discusses the animal rights organization American Humane Association and its regulation of animal welfare in the motion picture industry. Topics include the organization's meeting with the film industry at the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, comments by Robin Ganzert of the American Humane Association, as well as criticism of the organization's financial motivations by animal trainers who work in the industry.

The article focuses on the documentary film "Arctic Tale," by Adam Ravetch and Sarah Robertson which explores challenges faced by polar bears and walruses. Ravetch tells that the film has been narrated by Queen Latifah. The characters in film named Nanu, a young bear and Seela, a walrus are based on composites of animals in their species. President of National Geographic Films, Adam Leipzig, said that the documentary was conceived two years ago and the idea was to make a wildlife film.

The article discusses the use of animals in Hollywood films. The author notes that animals must have auditions, hair and makeup experts, special diets, and red-carpet appearances. The four Collies used in the remake of the movie Lassie are mentioned. The author also mentions that most animals that become Hollywood stars are rescued animals.

The article focuses on the visual effects conceived by Ang Lee in his adaptation of the novel "Life of Pi," by Yann Martel. According to Bill Westenhofer, visual effects supervisor, the tiger that primarily appears in the film is a digital creation from the effects house Rhythm & Hues. It adds that the physical makeup of the tiger was developed by artists by starting with skeleton, muscle, skin, and fur.

FOR young Bau, there is a lot to learn yet. For instance, that it's not a good idea to walk your human full speed into a lamppost. Especially when your human has a money face. When she is, say, Isabella Rossellini. Ms. Rossellini is, of course, an actress of some renown, but during a recent stroll in Midtown Manhattan, she wasn't acting, she was training. Bau, the trainee, is a 6-month-old black Lab who, if he proves to be a good learner and have the right personality, will some day be a guide dog for a blind person. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The article presents information on two documentary films on Meerkats under production. One of them is being made by Discovery Films, in collaboration with Animal Planet, Oxford Scientific Films and sales company Southern Star, and is untitled as yet. The other, "The Meerkats," has been undertaken by Weinstein Co., in collaboration with BBC Films and BBC Natural History Unit. Director of "The Meerkats," James Honeyborne is shooting outside any colony as he wants to capture the wilder aspect.

The article reviews the film "Animals and More Animals," released on DVD, which is directed by Nicholas Philibert and music given by Philippe Hersant.

Comments on the documentary film "March of the Penguins," which focuses on the life of emperor penguins.

Reviews the motion picture "Racing Stripes," directed by Frederik Du Chau and starring Bruce Greenwood, Hayden Panettiere, and Wendie Malick.

Focuses on Pale Male, a red-tailed hawk who has built a home and sired a famly on New York City's Fifth Avenue. His role in the documentary film 'Pale Male,' directed and produced by Frederic Lilien; Observations of the film's narrator Joanne Woodward; Dramatic hunting scenes in the movie.

Discusses the growing demand for animals in the motion picture business and the concerns about their welfare. Reasons why animals are in demand, including films aimed at families and young audiences; View that treatment of animals in movies, television shows, and commercials is improving; How animal use is monitored on Hollywood sets; Worries of animal advocates.

Discusses trend among motion picture producers to feature animals such as dogs and cats in movies. `There's Something About Mary'; `As Good as It Gets'; `Men in Black'; `Idle Hands'; Social aspect of this trend in the United States; Reaction of the animal rights activists to the trend.

Focuses on animal abuse depicted in 1998 mass media in the United States. Examples of humor and make-believe cruelty in motion pictures such as `There's Something About Mary'; Animal violence and suffering for comic effect; Speculation that advertising agencies are revolting against political correctness; Reference to a dictum concerning how a society treat animals.

Looks at claims by Oscar-nominated director Ara Chekmayan, that the falcon he possesses is the one that was part of the motion picture `The Maltese Falcon,' starring Humphrey Bogart. Effort put into the verification of his claim; Actions taken by Warner Brothers, the studio which produced the motion picture; Maltese falcons which the studio does sanction. INSET: Falcon lore..