Ryan

Winner of the 2005 Oscar® for Best Short Animation
This Oscar®-winning animated short from Chris Landreth is based on the life of Ryan Larkin, a Canadian animator who produced some of the most influential animated films of his time. Ryan is living every artist's worst nightmare - succumbing to addiction, panhandling on the streets to make ends meet. Through computer-generated characters, Landreth interviews his friend to shed light on his downward spiral. Some strong language. Viewer discretion is advised.
Directed by Chris Landreth - 2004 | 14 min
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[@IsabelChicaPerez]

These broken characters, fragmented semidestroyed, visual scarred and not fully coloured, are so disturbing, the way I see it a creative solution to show how they feel inside. A fine detail when his beloved transfers colour to him at the moment they touch each other

[@limbdarkening]

Imagine if your emotional scares manifested themselves physically, like in this film.

[@labrinnibrianna6581]

Then there'd be a few people like the ones in the video. Everyone else would say something is "wrong" with them but all in all it wouldn't be a different world.

[@ronj9448]

I think they do. Like anything seen every day we have become numb to them.

[@Void_Sevrin]

Incog Neato well shit..

[@decodingcap9965]

They do, but not physically. Physiologically. It's called Somatization Disorder.

[@proyectodepeleador]

im from argentina and i was throu a depresion were i was artisticaly stoped by miself, only destruction and drugs and whores, but the light comes in the morning like always, but the experience of ryan is funfamental in the comprehension of the human soul

[@twistedtick]

Chris Landreth is not just an early pioneer of CGI. He’s a genuinely great storyteller and a reminder that CGI animation doesn’t have to and shouldn’t have to look realistic to tell a realistic story. A perfect example of how the art of animation is not limited by technology, but only by one’s imagination.

[@bobwoww8384]

I think Chris Landreth should be a required course for ALL animators. Pure fkng genius! Thoroughly compelling raunchy, investigating sensitivity… Ugly traumatization making fun of reality,,, EXCELLENT, BRAVISSIMO🫵🏽🫶🏽🌹

[@susieusmaximus5330]

"One cannot do anything, anything at all, without the power of money." He's not wrong.

[@explodeybits931]

being poor kills the drive. why make a damn thing when these dumb fucks get paid millions for nothing? it all gets stolen in the end so you lose the urge to make something, to create anything. it's the truth that outburst the most true thing in any animation about art

[@TidalCrush1]

i keep coming back to this every few years. there's something lingering about it. i understand more and more the older i get.

[@777jones]

Yeah I saw it in the animation fest that year. It always stuck with me too. Looked it up now, years later. Something poignant about a magical artist who is losing it. But that is everyone’s fate.

[@alinagrace4980]

I watched this for the first time when I was around 15 or so, and since then I’ve come back to this multiple times and every single time, I understand it more, just like you. I think that’s the beauty of this film.

[@patrizios9699]

Me too.

[@jfdiseg]

Hi again

[@LevityRhodes]

I was about to type this, too. It's basically a ritual for me to come whenever something changes in my life to see if I understand something I didn't get the last watch.

[@misterprickly]

I was learning 3D animation at Seneca when they were making this. I got to watch the pre-renders that they would send to the film board. Chris is an amazingly talented man that STILL teaches there to this day. R.I.P. Ryan Larkin. You didn't leave us... You were taken.

[@GeneSeamer-dz2ej]

Is This Real Life

[@misterprickly]

@@GeneSeamer-dz2ej yes. It's a documentary about the animator Ryan Larkin but told through a surreal lens.

[@edgecruz4832]

That's really cool!

[@TrustYouMe]

I've always wondered what becomes of underachieving geniuses.

[@hotelmario510]

The fact he felt so trapped in his addiction during his last years is just heartbreaking. Big ups to Chris Landreth for going out of his way to depict Ryan's outburst and using it as the anchor point of the film, it really shows how flawed and tortured the man was

[@perrysar5954]

I remember Ryan on rue St Laurent panhandling,you could see in his eyes and smile a once brilliant artist shattered like a broken mirror from some inner demons that he took to his grave.......Ryan your art will never die!

[@markdemell3717]

He was broken by the evil system and now today the NWO and Bill Gatekeeper of Sheol want to break us all ! No mark of the beast for me! Halleluyh!

[@honer777]

This film is why the national film board is so essential…I only wish Ryan could have completed one more film…an absolute creative force taken too soon 💔💔

[@dogman-fx9ub]

The short exchange from 4:20 to 4:33 is one of the most profound and realistic moments I've ever seen in a piece of art. The longing yet acceptance at the same time. Beautiful and haunting combination.

[@gooch2215]

Spent the last 20 minutes trying to find this video. Holy Cow Its so great. Just noticed how the last scene when he is pandering, he's moving like his old animation reels...wow. Thank You Chris, Ryan and everyone who had part in this.

[@micachimera]

I wish we all lived in the mirror. I wish we could see how people hurt.

[@YungM.D.]

I saw this movie on late night TV once as a kid in some animation block. It was unbelievably disturbing and stuck with me for years and years.

[@GreasyPoncho]

I have the same exact experience. Strange😅

[@jsullivan500]

I was shown this film more than a decade ago in 9th grade and still think about it often

[@mcbillygoat]

I remember seeing this sometime late at night, but I thought it was a feature length movie. The ending scene was unforgettable and really I have not seen anything so imaginative using 3D animation. I had to scour the internet just to find this gem. So worth it.

[@jonquillehhh6657]

This footage is one of the most incredible piece of art I've ever witnessed. The music, the story, the images on the screen and the one emerging in our head... I just experienced something new and I want more of that something

[@kirbles2035]

Chris Landreth did other short films like bingo the clown and subconscious password, so you could go watch those.

[@dxrules1012]

I FINALLY FOUND THIS. I’ve been looking for this short for the better part of two years and couldn’t remember the title, I used too always see it on Teletoon At Night here in Canada when I was a kid and it’s stuck in my head forever and finally found it!

[@SocratesAlexander]

One of the best animations I have ever seen. I think those background characters are amasizing, too.

[@Sleepy12ftPanda]

Yeah. It really leans into the uncanny properties of early 3D animation.

[@achalmagic]

It's such a shame that artists have to go through such a scarred life full of financial crises

[@explodeybits931]

they like artists to suffer, they like us to be poor and hurting. they enjoy the sad story, the same story, of agony, overcome for their brief enjoyment. pay the artists. pay them more than you pay financiers. they're worth more in this world.

[@swizxt3902]

My dad showed me this once in a while growing up, never understood the message but now I’m 17 I understand everything about this

[@WhosCallingPlease]

I can't watch this without busting into tears. I completely relate. Wasting your talent and losing touch with who you are is such a horrible feeling.

[@skatepunkseventy-seven8957]

Saw this a few years back & it's stuck with me, told just about everyone about it. Simply brilliant.

[@kimthompson2590]

♥️Yeah, this one, ya really wanna discuss after watchin. It is AWESOME🖤 Thank you Chris🖤♥️

[@eleanorgloria]

i dont even know how many times i have seen this film. i saw it the first time around the time it was nominated for the academy award. it took my breatg away. such a gorgeous, touching depiction of anguish and addiction.

[@legion8585]

this has too much for one brain to comprehend.

[@cathydoyle8804]

Your so boring,

[@legion8585]

​@@cathydoyle8804It's "You're". I bet you think the same way about education.

[@katej.velvet4609]

"is not difficult if you try" another British soul said once

[@cosmomindset2018]

I'm about to be 30 and I have a big fear of being destroyed and having a wasted life I feel there's like invesble chains holding me from freedom and enjoying life.

[@JimmyCaravan]

9 months later, I hope you're doing better, friend

[@andorexurix2491]

So, no one is alone when facing the inner deformities. When it comes down to it, we are all nothing more but broken parts pieced together..

[@thekatt...]

Definitely one of the top 5 best Canadian shorts ever, if not the best. Thank you for making this . You honoured Ryan. ❤️🇨🇦

[@dogman-fx9ub]

I think it's also one of the best films ever made in general

[@mariameastwood6722]

Wow, I guess some people have never had to live with being this fragmented. This is the most beautiful and insightful short. thankyou

[@talileali]

This really touched my soul! I am truly humbled and filled with absolute awe! Coke and alcohol are not your friends! Living life is the only high any of us really needs!

[@backwoodsgps]

ryan is remembered

[@thechimp1963]

This made me cry like a baby...

[@JohnDoe-uy9fn]

Robert Corrigan Saw it in cinema today and can't help crying.

[@agentash0036]

Why isn't this more well-known? I've been going through animations looking for inspiration and seeing other's ideas, and this is by far one of my favorite animations so far.

[@rhayat10]

This film can be described as the ultimate in creativity. Stunning work!

[@hannahfelix6055]

I believe it's about how flawed we are as human beings and each circumstance can bring us to the point that we are right now in our lives. No one is better than another

[@StaffandStormcloud]

I've noticed that the 'depressed' and the 'addicted' and the 'anxious' tend to gravitate towards filling their lives with thoughts and feelings associated with those same things, and it becomes a self fulfilling prophecy. This is sad and creative.

[@inurafacititia7352]

I think you missed the point completely.

[@StaffandStormcloud]

mmm, yes, you're probably right. It was a bit of a preachy comment.

[@MicahBuzanANIMATION]

Addiction isn't a choice. I recommend you read the works of Gabor Mate. Yes, I agree that how we choose to think influences behavior. Ideas have consequences. But the underlying causes of addiction go much deeper than any conscious decision.

[@trjberg]

Can you really imagine/visualize a depressed, addicted or anxious person having their thoughts and feelings consisting of happy, free and harmonic connotations? Isn't that something that is tending towards a sort of an oximoron or catch-22?

[@neverthesame7887]

wow, Cameron! That really was very astute observation---i didn't notice that but when I read your comment and watched a second time it was pretty cool. This entire cartoon was genius---I didn't want it to end. Where can I see more of this man's work?

[@Manalu538]

It is sad that a talent that could have been so influential go to waste due to fears. I don't think I understood it the way it was meant to be but its still very touching.

[@kimthompson2590]

That's cool, how ever it resonates. Fear is a bitch, tho, huh?

[@The3Shad3s]

This is beautiful...i don't completely get it, but im gonna have to re-watch this till i do

[@unknownperson5535]

The3Shad3s hope you rewatched it

[@markdemell3717]

Look at the NFB logo and it's connection to the eye of Ra Hollywood and the likes ! The evil system some times breaks people and leaves them hollow to fight their demons!They are defenseless ,no belief in a Creator ,no hope ,broken! This makes me very sad. Amein.

[@joycekunzelman7435]

Watch Ryan Larkin's 1968 masterpiece "Walking" then his 1972 "Street Musique" to better undertand "Ryan". 😢

[@azy9234]

reminder for yourself if you see this reply: rewatch the video! i was just shown this at my graphic design school and it almost brought me to tears as an artist, i hope you get to feel so shaken by this video as i have and that you get it this time around 💛

[@soterioncoil2163]

WOW. I've often tried to explain how I feel like I'm oftentimes "not all the way there" anymore. For the past decade I haven't been able to do the things I most enjoy the way I used to. None of my friends seem to share or understand my issues.

[@toongamer2810]

"One cannot do anything at all without the power of money." Real stuff, Ryan. Rest in peace.

[@labrinnibrianna6581]

I saw this for the first time in lunch today. Despite all the noise this video just spoke to me in so many ways. It is an amazing art work and imagery and the emotion put into it is so powerful. I'm an artist myself and I share some of the same fears expressed in the video, but the best part about this story is that you don't have to be an artist to understand how it must feel to be Ryan. Everyone has a role model a hero and it's sad when we witness them tear themselves apart. This is really an outstanding animation 💙

[@SocratesAlexander]

The most entertaining, funny, sad, and deep animation I have ever seen.

[@emmagrove6491]

Every time I watch Ryan Larkin's Walking and Disney's The Three Little Pigs, it feels like no time at all has passed, even though Walking is 5 minutes long, Pigs 8 minutes, and I just wanna watch it again. Two of the best short animated films ever made. A sad end to a great artist.

[@guysingerii]

Saw this a a kid back in the mid 2000 on HBO or something and was taking away by the abstract art style of both the 3D and 2D animations. Especially the 2D animations. Glad to have found it. I hope Ryan is at peace.

[@MolemanAnimation]

12:06 It's Bingo, BINGO THE CLOWNO!!!!!!

[@MirekFe]

Thank you. 🙏 I don't why I didn't notice this, so many years ago.

[@chuntehardy6313]

OMG I have never watched anything like this in my life!!! this is brilliant!!! I get it !!! this made me so sad because of how broken you realize , you really are but so joyful at the way this artist made since of the brokenness by physically showing it on the characters in a unique way. I would love to meet Chris or see more of this creators work

[@GedMaybury23]

Abso-bloodly-lutely, my friend. 'Brilliant' is barely the world. Our language needs a new word just to describe this.

[@geinikan1kan]

Just fantastic. I especially enjoy the distortions of visual cues. The metaphorical aspects are overwhelming sometimes. Just like a Montrealer to not have ambition. I have had beers at that spot near the end. Did I walk by Ryan? The director is brilliant. Very moving.

[@minicm122]

Absolutely incredible and touching.

[@jaezeychant1077]

This is one of the short films that I'd always look up to all my life. This one means a lot. Perfecto✨💜

[@joolspirog]

Blown away, so many of us lost souls that need not be lost if only others reached out a hand

[@Jonathanest90s]

I really love watching films about making films and/or films about a particular filmmaker/animator. Ryan is definitely one of the best in that category.

[@charleskaplan3567]

I love that he becomes angry entertained the idea of converting to drinking tea then says he will stop creating but eventually becomes his greatest masterpiece in a way only observable to s/he who has the sensitivity to spot subtle beauty. The outburst itself is like a performance an animated expression but in live action. As long as he keeps working gesticulating and flowing as an artist as he begs for example he is a rich man in my view doing what he loves. The main challenge for a person in this position. Would be to let go of the need for money for at least to know if he had it what would he do with it. Truly a wiley character.

[@rockomundo]

Every time i see this short film i love it more and more. Chris Landreth's work is brilliant!

[@jiratrello]

Thank you for uploading this. Was lucky enough to see it at uni a couple of years ago and its one of the most beautiful films I've ever seen.

[@bubbledreams6382]

I don't share Ryan's penchant for naked abstract figures, but I appreciated the way it showed people as desperate and hopeless by depicting them as physically coming apart. There's a sense of wistfulness and resignation, but also that Ryan had a special relationship with Felicity and they kept each other going. The presentation of people's experiences was very unique and sort of beautiful, even if I didn't care for Ryan's brand of art. It would be interesting to know the backstories of people in this film.

[@christiandebney1989]

I first saw this on a 35 mm print at the Palm springs film festival in 2004 i had a short in it. watching this made me realise how far I had to go to become not just a great animator, but a visionary story teller.

[@breakingfree7244]

This was so cool - Chris has no shortage of talent either, clearly. And I'd spare a lot of change for Ryan if he was still around. I feel bad for taking welfare money, I'd love to redirect that money towards someone with such a wonderful gift. Animators have always awed me, especially considering I'm a terrible artist. I'd support the hell out of them if I could.

[@9-nine-ix528]

R.I.P. Ryan Larkin.

[@SleepyMatt-zzz]

Oh man, I remember watching this as a young teen in a film camp I went to in the 2000s. I didn't really understand what the video was about, neither did I remember the title, and because of that I never saw this short film again until now. That was almost 2 decades ago, but I never forgot about it, and because of that it eluded me. I wanted to remember. I only remembered the abstract visuals from the I first watched it as a kid, but now that I've watched it as someone with an adult life, I can now better appreciate the themes of the film.

[@williamtheriault8357]

This is simply amazing.Cheers to Chris Landreth for this incredible animation.

[@marymay3727]

The ending made me cry, I don't know why

[@Shirazzikkdh]

I suggest the Film Board do a series of interviews with this format. I strongly think it would be incredibly popular in this day and age.

[@espressobuzz9343]

Thanks. Haven't seen this in so so many years. A treat to rewatch.

[@nwojunkie]

finally found this again! haven't watched it since 2009!

[@Velossitee]

Ive lost so much will to keep drawing...my father leaving...my mother and sister upset and pathless like me...my boyfriends doubts about the future...everything the joy..the belief id still go on...it keeps withering...i have found a way to be happy for what ive got but only by believing what the future may hold and im not pleased right now because of dreams...its just everyday stuff everyone goes through...depression and loss...

[@amberbarnard9756]

Sprint Wyvern don't let what you are going through now keep you down. Find your release, whether it is drawing or whatever, and do it. Pursue your dreams, whatever they may be. Try to surround yourself with people who encourage you, not bring you down. "If people aren't laughing at your dreams, than your dreams aren't big enough."

[@kimthompson2590]

Sprint, that line, about not being pleased because of dreams.... WOW. That just blew me away.yessss ur an Artist🖤♥️

[@jamespuleo3269]

Just watched this for the first time. Now a fly keeps buzzing around the computer screen. True. Truthful and well-crafted, and even-handed in the way Chris presents his own issues in the same visual-metaphoric strokes as his take on his subject, Definitely one to watch again, (though not tonight)

[@kimthompson2590]

OMG n the glowing, flickering halo ovr Chris' head when he's preachin to Ryan bout drinkin.. Masterpiece. .

[@thequietonesometimes6415]

It's truly sad to see how the world, the populace has been robbed of So many talents. Due to drugs and alcohol. You can go back centuries and name them!!!!

[@SkinnyEMedia]

An unsettling animation but wonderfully done about someone's social collapse. This is a great precursor to animated documentaries like FLEE, CHICAGO 10, and WALTZ WITH BASHIR.

[@jasonstimac238]

Holy shit, I saw this back when I was like 13, for the life of me I couldn’t find it.

[@PNL_King]

Best short all time.

[@ChainsawBunny92]

Everyone needs to see this.

[@catskillmc]

My name is Ryan & I understand Ryan's fear of releasing new material because of all the thieves stealing your art. Everything about Ryan is almost like a mirror.

[@bo9718]

this is not about stealing art

[@ohyeahyeah5782]

I would looooove a video game that took on this type of character and animation it would be sooo cool

[@vanessaamadasun5841]

that was a very thoughtful video, it also gave me the creeps

[@ArenGoodman]

Absolutely incredible

[@taofanarchy96-renzomaracas14]

9:08 - I want to see you thrive, Ryan. - Fryed? - Not fryed. I want to see you _thrive._

[@note4note804]

There has to be something completely crushing about being an animator, and failing to get an Academy Award only to later see someone make an animation about you, and have that win an Academy Award.

[@user-ti8pv8dw8l]

great work....enjoyed seeing it after a very long time - gul

[@silenceofthehills7610]

It's sad to know that Ryan died three years after this film was made.

[@edgecruz4832]

I really would love to meet him. My teacher, who is a friend of my mentor, hung out with ryan when he was alive.

[@daroldean7501]

As I watch this it tells us how some of us have a life to live and have not much to use to live day by day.

[@siaamak]

Still to this day, my favourite Animation!

[@asianbananacat]

I saw this a long time ago when I was a kid and always wondered what it was, I never saw it again til now.

[@katherinelemus3427]

Same happen to me!

[@epenmedi]

Felicity was his Dream girl.

[@sandrajovic9304]

Inspiring💘🎥 🎭 🎨this one is on my playlist, and I wasn't even sure if I wanted to see it...I'm so glad I did💘

[@Endymion766]

this is too good to ever forget

[@tomitstube]

interesting biography done is very creative way. ryan isn't the only one, life has a way of beating the shit out of you, and if you carry extra baggage like your sexuality or race it can be a massive burden all by itself. some people turn to alcohol, drugs... some people drop out of the human race, some people get angry, some people get depressed, the poignant part of this movie (to me) is how ryan is pissed about being ripped off and refers to his lack of money as a lack of power... ryan is very intelligent... and this can be the hardest thing for a very proud, talented, and intelligent person to deal with, the lack of control over one's life, it can be very, very hard to play a game you hate, to be nice to people you despise, to be part of a system that rewards back stabbing mediocrity... for someone else to profit off your talent...and there in lies the rub, capitalism is shit, it destroys people for sport, and some people like ryan decide that the world isn't deserving of their gift.

[@rodrigoarenasi]

A Masterpiece

[@MikePiligrim]

This piece of work is moving.

[@randalroberts]

Still so good

[@RW-ik6ij]

Excellent production, heart wrenching story, truly outstanding.

[@commonsense6306]

This is a classic work! Loved it!!

[@piyapahwa2672]

This influenced me so much as an animator

[@BasementKoOk]

one of the best things ever created

[@LeslieSolorzanov]

My... heart... can't... pain... beautiful

[@jacobanderson8219]

Gritty and very truthful.

[@shensat4681]

Incredible.

[@Coweetie]

this will never leave my mind or heart

[@gugugugugumao8834]

amazing！！！