First Run Features | 2009 | 86 mins. | Not Rated
Directed and produced by Camilla Calamandrei (Prisoners in Paradise), The Tiger Next Door is an eye opening, yet evenhanded look at Americans who keep “big cats,” people who breed, “collect” and sell endangered lions and tigers and panthers and leopards. Surprisingly, there are more big cats held in cages all over America then there are in the wild.
She begins by focusing on Indianan Dennis Hill. A former member of a biker gang, with a long drug history and a felony for methamphetamine possession in his past, Hill could make some neighbors nervous. As Calamandrei shows, Hill now has a profession to which he’s completely dedicated. Living in his backyard are 24 tigers, 3 bears, 6 leopards, one cougar and other assorted wild animals. A breeder of large cats (which until fairly recently he was licensed by the USDA), his biggest goal is to produce a stripeless white tiger, which it should be noted, could fetch the fairly impoverished Hill $150,000.
Problems arise for Dennis when the Indiana Department of Natural Resources arrives unannounced to conduct an inspection of his facilities. They find numerous violations, from stagnant water in bowls to cages that are too small. He is order to reduce his animal menagerie to only three within a month. From there, the film goes on to chronicle Dennis’ attempts to find homes for nearly thirty cats, so he can be allowed to keep three.
In the course of all this, The Tiger Next Door does attempt to address whether Dennis Hill should’ve been allowed to breed big cats in his backyard. Calamandrei interviews several people on both sides of the issue. This includes neighbors and government authorities, family members and animal-rights activists. While some make sense, others make less sense. Whichever side of the issue people come down on, their feelings are passionate.
Though Calamandrei gives her opinion and we know where she stands, the fact that she gives both sides ample time to speak their piece makes The Tiger Next Door a balanced and more affecting film. It also points out how the controversy involving Dennis Hill has divided a fairly small community.
What it comes down to is fairly simple. The issue is not whether Dennis loves his animals—he clearly does, in his own way. But, can he care for these dangerous animals and ensure they will not become a threat to the community? Or bet yet, why should we risk it? These are wild animals after all.
Presented in widescreen, this is a beautifully photographed film. Colors are strong and bright, while grain is minimal. Dolby comes through clear for this dialogue heavy film.
No special features are included.
[xrrgroup][xrr label=”Video:” rating=”4.0/5″ group=”s1″ ] [xrr label=”Audio:” rating=”4.0/5″ group=”s1″] [xrr label=”Extras:” rating=”0.0/5″ group=”s1″] [xrr label=”Film Value:” rating=”4.0/5″ group=”s1″] [/xrrgroup]
