Down Rusty Down is a humorous short film that was screened at the 1997 Sundance Film Festival. In it, Noah plays a dog, Rusty. He and his other canine cohorts don't wear tails and long ears; rather, in this film, dogs brilliantly serve as a metaphor for men. Unlike the older, resigned members of the pack, whose daily high point is discussing Rusty's sex life and the best places to take a dump (hey, that's sort of like guys, isn't it?), Rusty is heeding the call of the wild, given to his basic instincts and always getting into trouble. Rusty does the things a dog does best: digging up his master's garden, torturing a poodle, urinating on the wall, bonking the local bitch. That is, until the day his master arranges a certain operation...

This is a great film, tightly written and smartly paced. The technical credits, especially the cinematography, are top-notch. Shot in black and white, with a dog's-eye view of the world in mind, the film reminds me stylistically of Tim Burton's short film, "Frankenweenie" - so I got to have my fantasy of what two of my favorite artists might come up with if they ever collaborated. The last shot of Rusty gazing wistfully at a pair of tennis balls is especially inspired.

"Down Rusty Down" was one of the most surreal cinematic experiences I've had - watching Noah with a dubbed-over machismo voice, leashed to a pole while smoking, among other jarring visuals. But it was also one of the most enjoyable.

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