Save Ralph - A short film with Taika Waititi

The Humane Society of the United States

6 Apr 202103:54

Summary

TLDRIn this poignant script, Ralph, a rabbit with a blind eye and hearing loss, humorously introduces himself as a tester for human cosmetics. Despite suffering from chemical burns, Ralph expresses pride in his role, highlighting the harsh realities of animal testing. His family's legacy as testers and his acceptance of the painful job underscore the script's message against animal testing. The documentary's twist, with Ralph's plea to end such practices, challenges viewers to reconsider their cosmetic choices.

Takeaways

🐰 The main character, Ralph, is a rabbit who is blind in one eye and experiences constant ringing in his ears.
🔍 Ralph has had his fur shaved and suffered chemical burns on his back, which cause him pain when he moves or breathes.
🌟 Despite his physical discomfort, Ralph considers his role as a tester to be important and something that makes him happy.
🚀 Ralph humorously points out that while humans have been to space, there are no 'space bunnies', highlighting the absurdity of his situation.
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Ralph comes from a family of testers, and he accepts the fate of dying in the line of duty as part of his job.
🎥 A documentary crew is following Ralph, capturing his experiences and the reality of animal testing for cosmetics.
📹 Ralph's interaction with the documentary crew reveals a mix of humor and pathos, as he tries to maintain his dignity despite his circumstances.
🌐 Ralph's message is a call to action, urging people to reconsider their purchase of animal-tested cosmetics.
🛒 The script implies that without the demand for animal-tested products, Ralph would not have a 'job' and could live a normal life as a rabbit.
🌱 The script ends on a hopeful note, suggesting that change is possible if consumers choose cruelty-free products.

Q & A

What is Ralph's primary characteristic as a rabbit?
-Ralph is a rabbit who is blind in his right eye.
What are the physical challenges Ralph is currently facing?
-Ralph has chemical burns on his back from having his fur shaved, which causes him pain when he breathes or moves.
What does Ralph imply about the superiority of humans?
-Ralph suggests that humans are superior to animals because they have been to space, implying that rabbits have not.
What is Ralph's role in the context of the script?
-Ralph is a tester, meaning he is used for testing cosmetics and other products, a role inherited from his family.
Why does Ralph mention that his family members have all died?
-Ralph mentions that his family members have died to emphasize the risks associated with being a tester and the sacrifices they make.
What does Ralph think about his job as a tester?
-Ralph believes that being a tester is what makes him and other rabbits happy, as it is their purpose and job.
What is the documentary's focus according to Ralph's statement?
-The documentary is following Ralph around to document his life as a tester for cosmetics and other products.
Why does Ralph say he would be out of a job without animal testing?
-Ralph implies that without animal testing, there would be no need for testers like him, and he would have to live a different life, possibly as a normal rabbit in a field.
What is the message Ralph wants to convey to people who buy animal-tested cosmetics?
-Ralph wants to highlight that the continued use of animal-tested cosmetics supports the industry that employs testers like him, and he encourages people to consider the implications of their purchases.
How does Ralph feel about the camera crew following him?
-Ralph seems to be aware of the camera crew and their purpose, but he is focused on his job and carries on despite their presence.

Outlines

00:00

🐇 Ralph the Rabbit: A Life of Testing

Ralph introduces himself as a rabbit with a disability, blind in one eye and deaf in one ear. Despite his physical challenges, he's a tester for human cosmetics, a job inherited from his family. Ralph's fur was shaved, and he suffered chemical burns, which he downplays as a minor inconvenience. He humorously acknowledges the irony of his job, contrasting his situation with the idea of a 'space bunny'. Ralph's family, all testers, have died in service, and he accepts his fate with a stoic attitude, believing it's for the greater good of humans. He's being followed by a documentary crew, which adds a layer of self-awareness to his narrative. Ralph ends with a plea, indirectly encouraging viewers to reconsider their support for animal-tested products, suggesting his job would be unnecessary without it.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Rabbit

A rabbit is a small mammal known for its long ears, short tail, and fast reproduction rate. In the video, Ralph, the rabbit, is the main character who is used as a tester for cosmetic products. This highlights the issue of animal testing, where rabbits are often used as subjects. Ralph's character serves to humanize the animals involved in such practices, making the audience consider their welfare.

💡Blind

To be blind means to have no vision or the inability to see. Ralph mentions being blind in his right eye, which is a direct consequence of the testing procedures he has undergone. This detail emphasizes the physical harm caused to animals in the name of product safety for humans, adding a layer of emotional appeal to the anti-animal testing message.

💡Chemical Burns

Chemical burns are injuries caused by corrosive substances that come into contact with the skin. Ralph refers to having chemical burns on his back, which is a result of the testing procedures. This keyword is crucial as it illustrates the painful and damaging effects of animal testing, providing a stark contrast to the perceived safety of the products for human use.

💡Animal Testing

Animal testing is the use of animals for experimental purposes, often involving the testing of products or substances on them to assess safety or efficacy. The video's central theme revolves around animal testing, with Ralph being a tester himself. The script uses Ralph's experiences to critique the practice, suggesting that it is unnecessary and cruel.

💡Cosmetics

Cosmetics are products used to enhance or alter the appearance of the body, such as lipstick, shampoo, and sunscreen. The script mentions these items to highlight the commonality of animal testing in the cosmetic industry. By listing everyday products, the video aims to make viewers realize the extent to which animal testing is ingrained in consumer culture.

💡Tester

A tester, in the context of the video, refers to an animal used for testing products. Ralph identifies himself and his family as testers, indicating a lineage of animals subjected to testing. This term is significant as it reduces the animals to mere tools in the process, devoid of their natural lives and rights.

💡Superior

To be superior means to be above others in quality, rank, or status. Ralph humorously acknowledges humans as superior to animals, particularly noting that humans have been to space. This keyword is used to underscore the irony that despite humans' perceived superiority, they still rely on animal testing, which is seen as a less advanced and ethically questionable practice.

💡Documentary

A documentary is a non-fictional film or video that documents reality, often for the purpose of raising awareness or educating the public. The mention of a documentary in the script implies that Ralph's story is being told to an audience, likely to inform and persuade viewers about the realities of animal testing.

💡Illusion

An illusion is a deceptive appearance or impression. Ralph mentions that his job as a tester gives humans the 'illusion' of safer products. This keyword is pivotal as it challenges the belief that animal testing ensures product safety, suggesting instead that it is a false sense of security.

💡Ralphie

Ralphie is a nickname for Ralph, used by another character in the script. This term of endearment humanizes Ralph, making him more relatable to the audience. It also serves to lighten the mood momentarily in a script that otherwise deals with serious issues like animal testing.

💡Streets

The streets typically refer to the urban environment outside of one's home. Ralph humorously suggests that without animal testing, he would be 'on the streets,' but then corrects himself to 'a field,' indicating a more natural habitat. This keyword is used to contrast the artificial conditions of testing with the natural environment that animals would prefer.

Highlights

Introduction of Ralph, a rabbit with physical impairments.

Ralph's blindness in the right eye and inability to hear anything but ringing.

Ralph's experience with fur shaving and chemical burns on his back.

Ralph's perspective on the pain from his injuries.

Ralph's view on humans as superior and their space exploration.

Ralph's self-identification as a tester and his family's legacy in testing.

The acceptance of Ralph's fate as a tester and his expected death in the line of duty.

Ralph's job satisfaction despite the risks and his belief in the purpose of his work.

The introduction of the documentary crew and their role in following Ralph.

Ralph's plea to the audience about the impact of buying animal-tested cosmetics.

Ralph's hypothetical scenario of being a normal rabbit in a field if not for animal testing.

The documentary's closing message urging viewers to reconsider their cosmetic purchases.

Ralph's final words expressing gratitude for the viewers' attention.

The documentary's call to action to end the reliance on animal testing in the cosmetics industry.

The documentary's acknowledgment of the viewers' role in supporting or ending animal testing.