Satire Dog Names

When it comes to poignant satire, most of history has concentrated on the human experience, which makes sense, given our persistent lack of thorough understanding of the world around us. But with that said, some of the most clever works of satire have used animals as their focus, allowing us to step into a more “fictional” world where similar animalistic tendencies like excessive self-interest can be explored without such a harsh and direct approach. One current satirist has done exactly that: filmmaker Wes Anderson.

Although Anderson is far better known for the quirky nature of his films, he has maintained his success by examining social norms and presenting them from unique angles to provide truly insightful perspective, which, as of late, has come in the form of using animals and animation. His first attempt, The Fantastic Mr. Fox, received rave reviews from moviegoers and critics alike and he’s done it again in his first foray with a dog-focused storyline in his latest film Isle of Dogs. 

The story centers around a fictional Japanese city whose mayor banishes all the dogs in the city to an island of trash due to a cross-species flu epidemic and the related snout fever. The human main character, Atari Kobayashi, has his own dog (Spots) exiled as well and is, in fact, the first to be sent as an example set by the mayor’s anti-dog campaign. Atari then commandeers a plane to fly out and find his dog and after crash landing, is rescued by five quirky dogs — whose names are purposefully reminiscent of power: Rex, Duke, King, Boss and Chief — who aim to not only help him find his lost pal, but reverse the anti-dog issues plaguing the city.

While on its surface the film seems to be a story of rebellion, redemption and justice, it mirrors many of the current pitfalls in the American political mindset, as well as many other socio-political constructs that affect countries around the world. While it does center around dogs, they are wholly representative of the voiceless and disenfranchised and it stands as a powerful statement that’s able to appropriately garner sentiment largely thanks to his choice of using dogs, one of the species we hold closest. In doing so, Anderson is able to make grand statements somewhat subtly, tastefully and with insight we may not ever be able to see without a lifelong and nearly universal attachment to our canine companions.