I'm sure everyone's heard of Don Hertzfeldt.
No?
Well then, I'm sure most everyone's seen that animated short "Rejected".
Well, Don Hertzfeldt is the genius behind that short. Today, I viewed his some of his animations again. I have to say, my favorites are probably "Lilly and Jim" and "Rejected".

For a synopsis of "Lilly and Jim", go here.



Throughout this short did I find myself sympathizing, outraged, and laughing. I liked the simplicity of it. Although a lot of work goes into animation, the film at 13 minutes long seemed to give an air of short and bittersweet. The blind date goes from bad to worse very quickly and I can see a bit of everyone in these two people who are thrust into this most awkward of situations.

But don't let it fool you. "Lilly and Jim" does a superb job of examining relationships and awkward love. After dinner, Jim and Lilly go to Lilly's apartment for coffee. Jim's allergic to caffiene but goes anyways to "not ruin the night". He has a horrible allergic reaction to it, his face bloats, he has respiratory problems, but insists he's fine. When Lilly asks Jim "Oh...well, would you like some more coffee?" I literally exploded with laughter as I saw Jim's face twist into a pained look of horror as he squeezes out "Yes" through his enclosed esophagus.

Watch "Lilly and Jim" and laugh at failed love.

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For a synopsis of "Rejected", go here.



Now, The Family Learning Channel is fictional. I've heard numerous rumors about it, but it is a fictional network. It does not exist. However, "Rejected" very much exists. It has many short commercials that advertise the FLC and other companies. There is no actual story line to it, just

All these small clips are hilarious and I find myself with stomach pains because I was laughing so hard.


Now, my poison ivy's acting up, and I think I'm going to go crazy, so that's the end.

Have I heard of Don Hertzfeldt.. I missed him at the Animation Show this year because he was stuck at the airport, but dammit, I almost met the guy even.


His newest short is The Meaning of Life - and VERY different from his past shorts. It's not as funny, or meant to be. The animation was all done by hand by Don alone, and it's amazing. He still uses the stick figures, but there is a ridiculous scene with 60 people walking around each other, all having their own conversations. There is a wonderful pan through space, along with various alien creatures. Finally at the end we hear a child ask what the meaning of life is, and we get our answer. I'd go on, but I don't want to spoil it.

The only place you can see it right now is the Animation Show, sadly, but you can find when it is showing near you here: http://www.animationshow.com/schedule_05.html



I also recommend his other shorts, Genre, Billy's Balloon, and his 3 shorts for the 2004 Animation Show opening, middle, and end.



Next he'll be working with Bright Eyes, for some reason. I'm not sure if he's doing weird videos for them or what.

I love both Rejected and Lilly and Jim. One of my favorite internet moments was when I found a "Silly hats only" LJ icon. Between that and my dancing asians, my LJ is rocking out hardcore.

But yeah. Don is wonderful.