Ryan (2004)

In the cinematic journey that is 'Ryan' (2004), filmmaker Chris Landreth audaciously steps behind the camera, navigating through the vibrant labyrinth of animation to coax his friend and animation virtuoso, Ryan Larkin, back into the realm of creative expression. Introduced amidst the surreal backdrop of a funky restroom, Landreth presents us with the enigmatic figure of Larkin, who, in the 1960s and early 1970s, was hailed as a revolutionary voice in animation, his originality encapsulated in his Academy Award-nominated short, "En marchant" (1968). Through Landreth's lens, we witness fragments of Larkin's past resurface - the groundbreaking shorts "Walking" and "Street Musique", his muse and love during his creative zenith, Felicity Fanjoy, and his steadfast producer, Derek Lamb. These moments serve to contrast the stark reality of the present; a ravaged, emaciated Larkin, his mind claimed by alcoholism, his brilliance dimmed but not extinguished. As the narrative unfurls, Landreth seeks to intervene, his own family history acting as a haunting mirror of the precipice Larkin stands on. We follow them through the gloomy dining halls of a homeless shelter, where their conversations reveal the depths of Larkin's struggles and the poignancy of his unfulfilled potential. The story spills out onto the streets, where Larkin panhandles, his grace still evident amidst the ruin. Using a distinct blend of live footage and animation, 'Ryan' captures the heartrending journey of a lost genius, creatively interpreting the effects of personal demons on artistic brilliance. This film is not just an exploration of Larkin's downfall, but also a testament to the enduring power of art and the haunting beauty that resides even in the most broken of souls.

Ryan is an animation movie featuring Derek Lamb.

Ryan is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Filmzie and Kanopy and it's also available on OVID.