Stuffed

As one of the taxidermists interviewed in Erin Derham’s documentary admits, mentioning his hobby to outsiders usually leads to mention of Norman Bates and often brings an abrupt end to the conversation. But the point of Derham’s film is that such a reaction is misguided. She interviews a dozen or so practitioners, some professionals who make their livings by preparing elegant exhibits for sale or museums, and other amateurs, one of whom describes what he does as a cross between a hobby and an obsession. What they share is a conviction that their work is a form of artistry that is also important for an understanding of nature. The film is not very strictly structured—segments flow from one to the next without clear transitions, and the history of the practice is inserted rather sporadically; nor does the section on the World Taxidermy Championship possess the sense of culmination one might expect. But it does delineate different types of taxidermists—those who aim for as much realism as possible, others who are willing to exaggerate features for dramatic effect (adding skeletal structures or using chemicals to make inner organs luminescent), and some who practice “rogue taxidermy,” combining different animals or depicting them in anthropomorphic poses. And it emphasizes the concern for conservation and preservation of species they all share. Stuffed is also gorgeously shot, with camerawork that brings out the color and vividness of the finished products. In all, this is a fascinating and curiously charming survey of a skill that Alfred Hitchcock’s classic has done a disservice. Extras include an audio commentary by Derham, a “making-of” featurette, the theatrical trailer, and taxidermy and poster galleries. Recommended. Aud: C, P. (F. Swietek)