The Beaver
Trailer
Synopsis
Walter Black, a depressed toy company CEO on the verge of bankruptcy, is kicked out of his home by his wife. After several suicide attempts, he finds a beaver hand puppet in the trash and begins to communicate solely through it. This new personality helps him reconnect with his family and revitalize his business, but it soon becomes an uncontrollable dependency.
Context & Trivia
In "The Beaver," the main character, Walter Black (played by Mel Gibson), uses a beaver hand puppet to communicate with the world. The puppet, which Walter finds in the trash, becomes an extension of his personality, speaking with a Cockney accent to distinguish itself from Walter. This puppetry technique is central to the plot, as the beaver helps Walter overcome his depression and interact with his family and colleagues. The film explores how an inanimate object can become a medium for personal expression and overcoming psychological issues. Jodie Foster's direction focuses on the bittersweet drama of the situation, using the puppet as a device to explore mental illness and recovery.
Puppeteers
Mel Gibson
Direction
Jodie Foster
Writing
Kyle Killen
Cast
Mel Gibson, Jodie Foster, Jennifer Lawrence, Anton Yelchin, Zachary Booth, Riley Thomas Stewart, Kelly Coffield Park, Cherry Jones, Jeff Corbett, Baylen Thomas, Sam Breslin Wright, Michael Rivera, Kris Arnold, Elizabeth Kaledin, Matt Lauer, Jon Stewart, Terry Gross, Folake Olowofoyeku, Lorna Guity Pruce, Bill Massof
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