The Creation of 'Fixed': A Personal Journey into Canine Animation

Genndy Tartakovsky, the visionary behind acclaimed animations like 'Samurai Jack' and 'Primal', has brought his latest adult animated feature, 'Fixed', to Netflix. This R-rated comedy, centered on a dog's last hedonistic night before a life-altering procedure, faced initial distribution challenges before finding its home on the streaming giant. The film is a culmination of Tartakovsky's personal experiences, blending elements from his long-standing friendships and observations of his own canine companions, thereby infusing the narrative with unique humor and relatable character dynamics. His meticulous approach extended to the setting, with Chicago's iconic landmarks serving as a vibrant backdrop for the misadventures of the protagonist, Bull, and his eclectic group of friends.

The genesis of 'Fixed' is deeply rooted in Tartakovsky’s personal life. The central character, Bull, voiced by Adam DeVine, embarks on a wild night with his canine friends as he grapples with the impending reality of being neutered. This narrative, while outlandish, is a thinly veiled comedic exaggeration of Tartakovsky’s high school friend group. He collaborated with two of these friends, one a marketing professional and the other a sports journalist, to sculpt the film’s initial script. This cooperative process allowed them to infuse the characters with traits inspired by their real-life personalities. For example, Rocco, the pugilistic boxer dog, voiced by Idris Elba, embodies the chip-on-the-shoulder attitude of one of Tartakovsky’s friends, constantly referencing his challenging upbringing as one of many puppies.

Furthering the film's authenticity, characters like Lucky, a philosophical beagle, and Fetch, a fashion-forward dachshund influencer, were conceived from Tartakovsky's doodles and observations. Lucky’s philosophical musings, despite his penchant for eating unsavory things, and Fetch’s ever-changing outfits, reflect the quirky personalities within Tartakovsky’s circle. While he consciously avoided online rabbit holes for inspiration, he sought to create genuinely humorous scenarios. Interestingly, a character initially intended as a stand-in for Tartakovsky himself—a Siberian Husky with a thick Russian accent—was ultimately cut. This decision was made to ensure the jokes resonated broadly, rather than being too niche or self-referential, streamlining the narrative for a wider audience.

Beyond human relationships, Tartakovsky's personal connection to dogs played a significant role in shaping the film. His three dogs, each with distinct personalities, provided a wellspring of inspiration. From the tranquil, gentle Saint Bernard to the feisty King Charles spaniel who adopted the traits of his larger companions, these observations informed the nuanced portrayals of the animated canines. The cast members, including Adam DeVine and Beck Bennett, also drew from their real-life interactions with dogs to embody their roles, adding layers of authenticity and comedic timing. Bennett, for instance, channeled the arrogance of his Borzoi character, Sterling, by imagining a dog that would annoy his own pet, further highlighting the film’s unique approach to character development.

Ultimately, 'Fixed' serves as a testament to the idea that deeply personal narratives, when handled with creativity and humor, can resonate universally. By transforming his friendships and pet observations into animated characters, and grounding the story in the familiar urban landscape of Chicago, Tartakovsky has created a film that is both raunchy and profoundly relatable, offering a unique perspective on the intricate, often amusing, relationship between humans and their animal companions.