Ryan

I bought a ticket for the Sundance animated short program thinking that I will see the usual rehashed animated fare. Boy, was I wrong. But as good and creative as the other shorts were, Ryan stood way out.

It is something truly original, not just because it is a computer animated documentary, but also because of the truly inventive use of the capabilities of CGI animation. The movie tells Ryan Larkin's life story in a concise but very touching way. I promise it will be the perfect roller-coaster ride, it will make you happy and sad, and it will make you think. And it will also make you stare at the gorgeous imagery.

I doubt you can find a better way to spend 14 minutes of your life.

Don't follow the genre at all so I have no idea how unique the effects are. Just happened to catch it on the CBC indie show Zed and was reminded about it when I heard it got an Oscar nomination. And I must say, this is a rare instance where you see a new technology being applied in a way that actually enhances every aspect of what happens to be a deep and touching story. As opposed to today's big budget CGI which provides little more than a cheap thrill. I can imagine if I were in Ryan's shoes in his regrettable state, I would feel exactly like the stripped down fragments of skin, bone, tendons and random Rube Goldberg parts he's depicted as. A must see film, and not only because of the gorgeous animation. 10/10

documentary. homage. and fascinating use of CGI for a story who deserves it. because it is more than the concise, precise, touching and bitter story of Ryan Larkin. it is a wise and provocative film. because it is a special way for discover an artist and his universe. remembering the flavor of bohemian life style, the cultural revolutions of XX century. and the taste of freedom.

This piece of work is truly the most astonishing animation I have ever seen. Its visual attributes are so rich that the eye fails to follow them on the screen. My experience was indeed enhanced since I watched it on the NFB's big screen in downtown Toronto. Ryan's creators have doubtlessly pushed the envelope in exploiting artistic techniques. Its intelligent plot is also very admirable. Based on the life of a real character, Ryan criticizes the extreme financial difficulties of many unknown artists who struggle with their lives to produce art. All been said, this is one of those cases where any literal description of the work is still far away from the actual visual experience. So Go Figure!

"Ryan" is an animated short story movie which shows us Chris Landreth who introduces himself to us and then he makes something like an intervention to Ryan Larkin. Ryan Larkin was a very popular animator in the 1960s and early 1970s who unfortunately became an alcoholic and he lost his mind because of some things that happened in his life.

We also see Felicity Fanjoy his big love in the best periods of his life and Derek Lamb who was his producer. The movie takes place in a restroom or something like a restaurant and we can observer that in there all the people who are there are homeless and had some issues.

Finally we follow Ryan Larkin to the streets where he is begging for some money, and I think that was the most sadly moment of this movie.