Anna Rys
English 109
From Animator to Animate
Through the use of animation, Chris Landreth envelopes himself into a world where he interviews famed and fallen animator Ryan Larkin. The animation Ryanis, in a way, a documentary that uses recorded interviews between the two artists as Ryan takes a look back on his lifeand the effects that drug culture had on his work.The interviews in the animation takes place at a bar, which both allows Ryan to speak freely and shows the strength of Ryan’s addictions.
Ryan tells us of his beginnings as young up-and-coming animator who skyrocketed into the industry. However, the pressure of trying to create something as wonderful as his first film, “Walking” (among other issues)began tolead him to drugs and alcohol (Ryan, 2004). Eventually his addictions caused a creative block and he left the National Film Board of Canada to do freelance work.
The stereotypical fall of the artist theme is apparent in the film and it has everyone rooting for a better future for Ryan. His character, among the others who appear in the short, is distorted by the trauma and issues he faces each and every day. Every character is developed by distorted images of the body which portray the interconflicts each person faces. By far, Ryan’s character appears the most ravaged- beaten, worn, often missing parts of his head, and usually surrounded by dull colors.
However, these characters are always changing shape and form as to display changes in the people themselves. At one point in the film, Ryan’s character lights up when talking about his greatest work. In this scene, we get to see his brilliance and creativity.
By using unscripted, freely spoken recordings of the interviews, the viewer seems to be at the barshelterwith Ryan and Chris. We gain a sense of being in the conversation rather than witnessing their interactions.
Looking behind the scenes, Alter Egos examines the making and choices behind the cinematography of Ryan (Alter Egos, 2004). Interviews with Felicity Fanjoy and Derek Lamb give us a glimpse into the dark past the Ryan has faced. At the time of shooting, Ryan is a beggar in the streets but his spirits are high. Ryan prophesizes that this film might bring him back into the spotlight and will mark his return to animation.
The movie leaves many questions unanswered- will Ryan return to the animation industry or will he be a beggar for the rest of his life? Before his death, Ryan neverwatched the film that so creatively portrays his life, butandyou definitely should, too.
Work Cited
Ryan. Dir. Chris Landreth. Copper Heart Entertainment, 2004.
AlterEgos. Dir. Laurence Green. Copper Heart Entertainment, 2004.