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As huge a fan
of animation as I am, I was shocked recently
to learn of the work of Ryan Larkin. He
created his short animation films back in
the 1960’s, and was even nominated
for an Academy Award in 1969. His few works
have inspired scores of artists over the
last 30 years, yet somehow I never even
heard his name until a few months ago. It
was during the 2005 Academy Awards, when
a new animated short film created by Chris
Landreth called “Ryan” took
home the coveted prize. Unfortunately, the
Academy Awards no longer show much, if any
of the animated shorts that are nominated
so I was curious to see this new piece of
work.
Earlier this week I finally had my chance
with Rhino Home Video’s release of
“Ryan” on DVD. As soon as it
came in, my wife and I sat down to check
it out. To say that we were floored is an
understatement. It only runs a little over
13 minutes, but we were so impressed that
we watched it three more times before going
on to some of the other items available
on the disc (more on those later).
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What I learned from “Ryan”, was the
information I mentioned before about him. This
new film used computer generated images, mixed
with clips of Larkin’s original work to
create a psychedelic visual of recorded interviews
Chris Landreth had with the artist more than thirty
years after he walked away from his craft. My
first thought in writing this review was to try
and describe the way the film looked, but to be
honest there is no way anyone could describe it
and do it any justice. It has to be seen to be
believed.
Technically, it is a marvelous piece of art that
is mesmerizing in its presentation. The two artists
(Landreth and Larkin) exist as animated caricatures
of themselves. Each has his own demons, and the
way these demons affect their lives is conceptualized
as a part of their body or as a piece of background.
Pieces are missing or twisted, and in one excellent
example a neon halo grows out of Landreth’s
head when he tries to get Larkin to give up alcohol
and start animating again only to short out and
fall off when Larkin yells at him for suggesting
such a thing. (See what I mean about trying to
describe it??) Start to finish, it’s a brilliant
piece of work and well worth the Oscar.
What was even better about the DVD release was
that it contained not only two other fascinating
short works by Landreth (“The End”
and “Bingo”), but also Larkin’s
original groundbreaking animated shorts from the
1960’s. To see them now, some people may
not appreciate the role they played in changing
the world of animation, but if you look at them
through the eyes of an audience from the 60’s,
you can easily see the genius behind the work.
To know that Larkin makes a living begging on
the streets, knowing what might be brewing beneath
the surface is heartbreaking.
The disc also provides a lengthy documentary that
is well worth watching and brings an even greater
appreciation to the work as a whole. Add to this
some commentary by Landreth and Larkin on their
works, as well as one by director Laurence Green
for his documentary, and you have a very well-rounded
DVD release.
It’s not often that I get the opportunity
to see such incredible work, most of the time
I’m stuck with pedestrian pieces that are
more the product of Hollywood’s suits than
the artist’s themselves. “Ryan”
is a brilliant piece of work and one I recommend
to anyone with even an inkling of an appreciation
for animation. (I will caution you however, that
it is not for children, some of the language is
harsh.)
Directed by: Chris Landreth
Extras: Additional films by Chris Landreth –
“The End” & “Bingo”,
Additional films by Ryan Larkin – “Syrinx”,
“Walking” & “Street Musique”,
Documentary Feature “Alter Egos”
Specifications: Full Screen
Studio: Rhino
Release Date: 8/2/2005
Region 1
MPAA Rating: NR
Website
We'll give Ryan an A.
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