animal symbolism

His films consistently use animals and creatures as symbols of nature, human emotions, and spiritual transformation, most notably in works like Spirited Away and Princess Mononoke.

He explores the relationship between humans and animals as a lens into primal nature, obsession, and the sublime through documentaries and narratives like Grizzly Man and Aguirre, the Wrath of God.

He employs animal characters and imagery as metaphors for human society, anthropomorphic behavior, and existential themes, particularly in Fantastic Mr. Fox and Isle of Dogs.