'The Beaver,' in which Mel Gibson plays a depressed dad and toy executive who attempts to break out of his lethargy by communicating with the world via a beaver puppet, may seem like an odd comeback vehicle for the actor.

On the other hand, given the amount of buzz that the movie -- directed by and co-starring Jodie Foster -- has been generating, it could be exactly what Gibson needs to resurrect his career. The film is scheduled for a Spring 2011 release.

And now the first official trailer for 'The Beaver' has turned up online.

Gibson's character is depicted brooding his way through some kind of existential funk that seriously strains the emotional health of his family. Things only worsen when he happens upon a ratty plush toy in the garbage and gives it a voice. Soon his idiosyncracy becomes his only way of expressing himself to loved ones. Given how much we've all heard the Oscar-winning 'Braveheart' star expressing himself regarding family matters, it's a bizarre string of scene snippets, to say the least. Watch the full trailer here: