“Tamala 2010: A Punk Cat in Space” follows a multi-universe, time traveler

In the 2002 animated film “Tamala 2010: A Punk Cat in Space,” the two-person Japanese team known as t.o.L. (trees of Life) created a fascinating adventure for title cat Tamala. Still eerily relevant, “Tamala 2010” draws from numerous sources: Thomas Pynchon to Colonel Sanders, Clint Eastwood to Westwood, science fiction to mythology.

Tamala introduces herself in 1436 Verona, Cat Earth, before a jump to 2010 Meguro City, Tokyo, and, later, 2032 Shanghai, China. Stories of the elusive cat Tatla, symbol of the ancient cult of Minerva, offer tantalizing ideas as Tamala, perhaps Tatla’s reincarnation, seeks her real mother. Through pouring rain and surrealistic dreams, cats and dogs fight on Planet Q, as officials impose martial law in Hate City. Elsewhere, Tamala’s seductive eyes grace a multitude of products in an unabashed capitalist critique: Colossal Conglomerate Catty & Co. controls 96.725% of the world GDP.

This heady, multidimensional mix unfolds through scenes of intricately constructed architecture while Tamala travels in space capsules through time and universes. Japan’s Hello Kitty icon suggests one inspiration for all this, as do the anime and manga worlds of unfettered, imaginative invention. Throughout this ingenious film, Tamala hopscotches across centuries in 2D and 3D animation, with predominately black and white design incorporating effective color at dramatic moments. An equally impressive techno futuristic score complements and eloquently interprets the animation.

As this potpourri of details makes clear, there’s no linear or traditional narrative as Tamala of Orion is, as the secondary title states, a punk cat in space careening through unforgettable experiences. Originally intended as a trilogy that never materialized, this incredibly complex story certainly merited development beyond 92 minutes. Not for children, with a new 2K restoration, in Japanese with English subtitles, “Tamala 2010: A Punk Cat in Space” screens at Webster University’s Winifred Moore auditorium Friday, August 23, through Sunday, August 25, at 7:30 each of those evenings. For more information, you may visit the film series website.