The award-winning documentary The Elephant in the Living Room explores a unique and divisive subculture in America. In cities and towns across the country, people are raising some of the world’s most exotic and deadliest animals as common household pets. The film, directed by Michael Webber, addressed the controversial issue from a variety of perspectives. Webber tells his captivating story primarily through the eyes of two complex and fascinating individuals. Tim Harrison is a dedicated police officer, firefighter, and paramedic – a man on a mission. He has devoted his life to capturing and rescuing hundreds of exotic animals such as lions, tiger, alligators, bears, and snakes. Thirty states in America allow citizens to own predatory animals and only nine require pet owners to have a permit. On the other end of the spectrum is Terry Brumfield. An animal lover for his whole life, Brumfield owns two pet African lions which he has raised in his home since they were cubs. This documentary raises complex questions about the nature of love, responsibility, and freedom. The creative team behind the movie clearly treats its two subjects with the utmost with respect, showing both sides in a sympathetic manner. Throughout the film, Webber also intersperses the emotional journeys of Harrison and Brumfield with staggering statistics and eye-opening news footage of exotic pets on the loose in society. Many audience members will be both uncomfortably disturbed and surprisingly moved by watching The Elephant in the Living Room.
Over the course of the movie, viewers are treated to Harrison’s vivid retellings of his encounters with animals in a wide range of strange, surreal, and sometimes horrifying circumstances. For example, he vividly describes a dangerous confrontation with a deadly snake in a suburban garage. Harrison is depicted as a fascinatingly complex man who adheres to a strict moral code in his quest to help these animals. He cares deeply about the plight of these pets, which are often adopted by naïve owners who embrace the cool novelty of owning such a unique animal. Harrison’s sneak peek inside the world of exotic pet auctions is a fascinating and disturbing highlight of the first half of the film. His devotion to public safety and the welfare of the animals is admirable. Tim Harrison’s perspective initially seems like the dominant focus until Terry Brumfield enters the picture.
Brumfield’s relationship with his two pet African lions draws the movie’s story into an unexpectedly emotional narrative direction. Although he no longer possesses the ability to look after his pets responsibly, Brumfield has developed a close familial bond with his animals. His chronic back problems and bouts with depression are warning signs that his animals could pose a significant danger to people’s safety. However, the powerful connection between this man and his pets is undeniable. His love for his two friends makes Harrison’s job significantly more difficult when the two men from Ohio come into contact with each other. Harrison wisely tries to understand Brumfield and the two men gradually develop a level of respect toward one another.
It would be unfair to spoil the way the story of this journey concludes, but The Elephant in the Room emerges as a deeply affecting and thought provoking film. It respects the audience member’s intelligence to allow the viewer to decide his or her own perspective on the issue. Overall, the movie triumphs in introducing two very memorable characters and revealing a unique look into a subculture that is foreign to most people.
Overall Rating: 8 out 10
**A special thanks to Edify Media for Providing Review Materials for this Film**
