Skhizein

Like last year, I went to a special showing of the Oscar-nominated animated short films. However, unlike last year, in addition to the nominees, several "commended films" were also shown. In this review I'll make my predictions, though if it's anything like last year's choices, I'll probably once again pick the wrong shorts as my favorite for the award.

As far as SKHIZEIN being a commended film, this surprised me because it was clearly better than several of those that received the nomination. That's because the animation was so unique with SKHIZEIN and the story was also truly one of a kind. If the Academy wishes to honor the unique and revolutionary, then what better choice than this film? Instead, somehow LAVATORY LOVE STORY (a very, very simply drawn film with an enjoyable but schmaltzy story) and OKTAPODI (too short and simple to deserve nomination) were nominated and SKHIZEIN didn't. Fortunately, as a commended film, it will at least receive more widespread viewing if that's a consolation.

SKHIZEIN is a strange film that begins with a man at a psychiatrist's office talking about his problem. It seems that since a meteorite struck nearby, he's been "out of phase". In other words, every thing he does is 91 centimeters off (that's a yard for all of us non-metric folks)! When he goes to the toilet, for example, he needs to stand 91 centimeters to the right or he'll miss! And, when he wants to look out the window, he puts his head through the wall next to the window! It's all very strange yet compelling. What is also strange is the animation style. While it uses CGI, the look is totally unique and the main character looks a lot like a child's drawing or the David character from David Shannon's books.

Unique, compelling and clever--what more could you want from an animated short?!

I saw it as a parable. And, as a schizoid person, I love it very much. First- for animation itself. Second - for inspired story. And for beautiful atmosphere. And for its wise message. An asteroid and a man. Reduced at 91 centimeters of his life. Fighting against not ordinary situation. And defining his presence in brave manner. Nothing complicated, nothing unusual. Only demonstration of high craft.

This movie is truly inspiring! It's depressive, though. But definitely worth seeing. I actually like the animation style. Original and appropriate for the story. However, it's not a children's animation. It's mature, it's sad.

I would have expected a false sophistication of the movie from the beginning - but it's not like this. It has depth, it is creative and clever. The saddest thing is how he is only one who sees himself as he is and no one understands his condition. But he keeps fighting it. Just like everyone else in some way. And of course, the end is heartbreaking as I almost shed a tear.

Certainly underrated.

Conclusion: You must see it!! This is without doubt among the best short animation films I have ever seen.

When one tries to define or demonstrate schizophrenia, one always starts with a disorder of the brain. Our brain is "not working" properly. This film takes us to a different place where we can experience this phenomenon, where the person wants to be stable, but the world he lives in is 91 centimeters off. He can live but he battles for every moment of his existence. And, of course, those around hm are torture to him.

Thought-provoking and moving animated tale of societal displacement. Beautifully scored, subtly and gently expressed.