Geeky Cat Miusings

Last week I attended the Rendezvous With Madness film festival for the first time. The festival, which shows films relating to mental illness and addiction, has been running for 17 years. When I saw they animation round up I could not resist going, even though it meant taking time off work to go see it.

Amongst the line up of short animated films included two directed by Chris Landreth, Ryan and The Spine. Chris Landreth was present to discuss the creation of his films and provided the audience with insight into the artwork and his use of ‘psychological realism’. I found Chris Landreth an excellent speaker. I was hoping to get a chance to ask him about the meaning of certain animation quirks, such as the strips of character’s forehead flapping around.

Ryan is an animated tribute to Canadian animator Ryan Larkin. Thirty years ago, at the National Film Board of Canada, Ryan produced some of the most influential animated films of his time.

You can watch Ryan online: http://www.nfb.ca/film/ryan/

I also hope you get a chance to watch The Spine.