Casuistry: The Art Of Killing A Cat
- Release Information
- August 31, 2004
- Toronto International Film Festival
- Library and Archives Canada - Canadian Feature Film Database (LAC)
- Budget
- Distributors
Production Details
- Director of Photography
- Zev Asher
- Zev Asher
- Zev Asher
- Zev Asher
- Linda Feesey
- Zev Asher
- Zev Asher
- Linda Feesey
- Zev Asher
- Zev Asher
- Music
- Rough Ages
Director Zev Asher explores the opaque logic surrounding the
infamous Toronto animal cruelty case of 2001, in which Jesse Power, an art student, Ryan Wennekers and Matthew Kaczorowski killed a cat as part of a video art project. This challenging film examines the art world precedents for the extreme action, and interrogates legal, police and animal rights spokespeople on a seemingly pointless crime that triggered a raging debate over artistic freedom. It portrays the perpetrators attempting to justify (the "casuistry" of the title) their act of cruelty subsequent to their arrest. The film aims to explore and even expose the art world's tolerance for these kinds of actions. The film does not show their video-ed actions, rather serves to investigate why these young men committed such a terrible crime. This documentary does not condone cruelty to animals. Incorporating interviews with the cat-killers, as well as journalists, police, artists, animal activists and concerned citizens, Casuistry: The Art of Killing a Cat contains some very disturbing imagery and maybe even more perturbing questions. Contains scenes that may offend some viewers.
Source: Library and Archives Canada - Canadian Feature Film Database (LAC)