The late William S. Burroughs is probably one of the last writers you’d think of when it comes to telling a heartwarming story of Christmas. After all, Burroughs is considered to be one of the premiere counter culture authors, whose work is primarily peopled with drug-addled characters, many of who experience snippets of life that were born of some of his own real-life experiences. This is a guy who hung out with the likes of Jack Kerouac. As a matter of fact we're talking about a guy who accidentally killed his girlfriend in a drunken game of 'William Tell.' Yet, here I am today to fill you in on a little piece of animated Christmas cheer based on, and narrated by Burroughs himself. "The Junky's Christmas" introduces us to Danny the Carwiper, circa 1950 as he is released from jail where he was held on drug charges. Now, stay with me on this… It is Christmas morning and he spends most of his day trying to score a much needed hit of heroin.

He tries stealing, then washing cars and finally settles on picking up a suitcase that appears to be abandoned on a city street. Selling the case, he is finally able to score the hit. But when he finally gets to 'enjoy' it, he finds a young man who needs the hit more than he does.

Yes, what you just read is the gist of the story. The claymation style that is used is somewhat reminiscent of the old Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer specials I used to watch as a kid, only the colors in "The Junky's Christmas" blend together into drab blues and grays instead of the bright garish colors used in the former. Burroughs actually shows up at the beginning and the end of the piece, at first settling in with the book so he can read the story along with what we see. Then after the ending, we see him put the book away and sit down to enjoy a holiday dinner with friends. On the whole, the piece is quite mesmerizing but what really shocked me was that the story, which is anything but hopeful, somehow imbues an uplifting feeling as it comes to a close. I'm not sure whether to credit this to Burroughs's actual story or to the amazingly well crafted animation.

When I received the DVD for "The Junky's Christmas", it was the first time I had ever heard of the short story, though I am familiar with some of the author's other work. As the piece it self is rather short, the DVD also includes two other pieces that were created as a part of VH-1's Music Film series. The first, "Traveling Light", offers up an unusual interpretive dance performed out in the middle of the desert. There's no direct plot as the piece is meant to be more of a visual experience. The second, "Ironbound", is another odd visual piece taking place inside an ugly landscape of old factories and homeless people. Children run rampant in the streets, except one who takes a chance at the possibility of leaving these dire surroundings by joining with an old iron worker bent on escape.

These additional shorts make up what could be could be considered extras on this DVD release. "The Junky's Christmas" is easily the best of the short films, but its brooding feel and rather odd ending might not sit right with those who are used to Christmas specials being light and frothy. Still, it is a work to be admitted for its technical merits so I do recommend seeing it if you get a chance.

Directed by: Nick Donkin
Extras: Additional Short Films - "Ironbound" & "Traveling Light"
Specifications: Full Screen, Dolby Digital
Studio: Koch Vision
Release Date: 11/7/2006
Region: 1
MPAA Rating: NR
Website

We'll give The Junky's Christmas a B.