Beyond the Meadow: Exploring the Violence and Dynamics of Power in Watership Down Through Critical Animal Studies and Cinematographic Lens

Abstract

This paper aims to analyze the 2018 Netflix miniseries adaptation of Richard Adams's classic novel,
Watership Down, using Critical Animal Studies and a Cinematographic lens. The analysis focuses on its
visual storytelling through the camera angles, lighting, and character representation. Adams’ novel was
adapted three times. The first two animated versions were horrifying to the extent that one of them was
banned. The most recent version used Computer-Generated Imagery (CGI) technology to be more friendly.
The CGI version toned down explicit brutality while maintaining the novel's darker themes. Unlike the two
previous versions, the CGI focused on inferred violence and emotional depth to build character rather than
shocking the audience. The animated miniseries effectively depicts the lives of rabbits and explores themes
of freedom, survival, and anthropomorphism. By examining cinematographic techniques, it becomes
obvious how these elements shape audience perceptions and ethical considerations regarding the nonhuman
animals. This is going to be assessed through the opinion of the critics who collected the views of the audiences.
This analysis contributes to broader discussions on animal rights and the importance of visual media in
shaping narratives about animal lives. It highlights the significance of representation in contemporary
storytelling and its role in raising awareness and evoking empathy toward animals.