Larkin, the former NFB animation wunderkind, was at the height of his talents when his famous short, Walking, was nominated for an Oscar in 1969. Since then, he has found a secondary vocation as a street panhandler, and can be found most days where Landreth's Oscar-nominated portrait finds him: hustling for change in front of Schwartz's Deli on St-Laurent, or at home at the Old Brewery Mission. Larkin has been back in the limelight since a retrospective of his work ran at the FCMM last October alongside the premiere of Landreth's animated short, Ryan, and Laurence Green's Alter Egos, a companion making-of documentary.

Landreth's excruciatingly lovely Ryan is a groundbreaking 14-minute 3-D animation in which characters, many of them on the downside of their luck, are visually rendered to reflect that stretch of the Main between Napoléon and Bagg.

"I wanted Ryan to open up a whole range of conversations," says Landreth, who was back in Toronto last week after a whirlwind Oscar publicity tour in Los Angeles. "Among other things, it opens up questions about truth, fiction, interpretation... I am hoping that Ryan takes subjectivity to a different level. I hope, anyway, that I'm using animation tools not to try to stylize and make cool images, but to tell another layer of truth."

Though Landreth, somewhat differently from Larkin, considers Ryan to be a documentary, he also points out that it is more than merely an altruistic portrait of his friend.

"I was inspired because Ryan's story is such a powerful story; it relates not only to Ryan's life, but things we all face: fear, insecurity, psychological damage, and, yes, substance abuse. I wanted to make that story come across as well as I possibly could. I am certainly happy to hear, as I am hearing, that Ryan is helping Ryan to be inspired to do some creative stuff again. That's great. At the same time, helping Ryan was not my main reason for doing the film."

Landreth is referring to many journalists' tendency, in recent profiles, to highlight a cheery human-interest angle Larkin himself promotes, in which his second-hand Oscar boost has enabled him to start working on a new, secret project that will bring him back on top.

"People are always obsessed with an artist's ability to keep up with the work they had done previously. Past a certain point, it would make a great ending to the story if, after a 30-year absence, Ryan suddenly started doing films again. It's really a question of what does that artist owe the world? I don't know whether Ryan is going to have the wherewithal to do something again. Initial signs look encouraging for that, but [this] is an extremely disciplined field. Animation requires commitment and mundane dedication. I would not be able to do it if I was seriously drinking."

In the face of rabid media attention, Larkin has been a true gentleman, accepting interview requests from any and all comers who look for him in his haunts. I found the scrum-like swarm of cameras and microphones that followed him down the Main in the days after the Oscar nominations somewhat perturbing. Ryan is, after all, one of the people in my neighbourhood, in the Sesame Street sense.

Still, it took some convincing to get him to sit down with me at our local. Larkin is a creature of habit, a daytime client as I am a nighttime one. As we sit talking, it occurs to me that in some ways a conversation with him at the window table, overlooking his stomping grounds across the street at Schwartz's, is similar to any I might have with my usual crowd. He's given (as I was warned he would be) to exaggerations as to the status of current projects, and has a proclivity for alcohol- fuelled rants on various topics including organized religion, the soullessness of the mainstream media, and the reasons for his own failures. But there are also differences: Ryan times his drinking to coincide with the curfew at the Mission. Also, most of us don't have two Oscar nominations under our belts.

"I like to remind people that I am in the present, that I am healthy and strong and I am only 61, I have all my hair and all my charm," he says. "I am feeling really good. I don't make too much money, but I figure from all this success I will no longer need to panhandle for spare change, but for thousands of dollars. I will shift my location from the Main to the big expensive offices in the film financing institutions. I will have to buy a suit there, and show up on time. But as a panhandler, I had the same problem. I had to show up on time to get my spot, and entertain my clientele."

In conversation, Larkin is a gentleman, expressing concern that I am sharing my last cigarettes with him and gently calling me on certain particularities of my interview style. But he is kind, and he anticipates my next question, which is the obvious one: What happened?

We've had a few beers, and, a bit to my surprise, he is candid.

"I make all these excuses for my behaviour, but the truth is, I was a lazy sonofabitch and I fucked up. In the end, I have to admit it. I had difficulty handling my ego when I was famous. I've made a fool of myself - during the '80s and '90s I was not functioning properly. Most articles say it was a drug problem, but it wasn't just that. It was a psychological problem I had to deal with, and my first choice was to use drugs. I had sexual proclivities, too - I was doing coke and getting hard-ons instead of what I should have been doing, which was making interesting, comical, beautiful animation films."

What are the conditions, I ask, in which his next film could be completed?

"Most people who interview me want to know whether or not I am in control of myself. And yes, certainly I am. But I will not give up drinking my beer for my next $30,000 contract. What are my conditions? I have to have a studio within walking distance of my territory. This is my place, and will never leave it. I want everybody to understand that."

The hour is getting late, so I ask him a final question: Through his artist's eye, what does he make of the image of himself his friend Chris has rendered for the world?

"Dig this: After shooting, I had to go through months and months of reconstructive surgery!" he jokes. "To replace my brain and my flesh. Christopher took my brain and my face away, and left just enough to be reconstructed. Modern technology is amazing, isn't it?

"I addressed Chris, and I said, 'How come you made me look like a skinny tiny skeleton?' It has to be remembered that the film is not really about me, it's about human beings in a situation, the human condition."

Then, Larkin descends into a labyrinthine train of thought about Botticelli, the Catholic Church and themes in art history that culminates in his ultimate point.

"Christopher Landreth has painted me as a grotesque. But the fucking fact is I'm not suffering, I'm quite happy. It is much easier to describe on your drawing board the grotesque than it is to create a thing of beauty. I will tell you that most artists who go for the grotesque make more money than those of us who are interested in making something beautiful. That's what I want to do now. Make something beautiful that shows people in their happiness."

Ryan and Alter Egos
Will be showing in a double bill at Cinéma du Parc, March 18
 
 

		Write your comment on this article!

Heartfelt     I had never heard of Ryan Larkin or Chris Ladreth. About a week ago, at 1 a.m., the short film was on television. At first, I thought it was a useless animation that was not good enough to be shown on television during the daytime. However, it captivated me within seconds. As I sat and watched, I asked myself why I was watching this weird cartoon. But , the animations were superb! The characters' physical characteristics were moving, because they truly represented the emotions of the characters. I really ended up enjoying it. But I was still left wondering what was the basis for this creation. Later on in the week I read this article and it all became clear. Now the short animation film "Ryan" seems to be even better than before. Because, it is about a man who's life was interesting and tragic, as any of our live's could be. And one man decides that Ryan is important enough to create art using him as his muse. Everyone should be someone's muse at least once in their lifetime. It makes life a little more bearable.
Melanie Dominique Harper	{36 votes}	February 28th, 2005
More exposure for Canadian shorts     All the attention presently focused on the Oscar nominated short RYAN leaves me feeling bittersweet. On the one hand it makes me proud to see Canadian filmmakers with such talent and originality. On the other, however, as a film buff I wish we, as a national audience, were given more of an opportunity to view such works. Besides as part of a festival or a rare screening at a repertory theatre films such as RYAN don't seem to be accessable to a mainstream audience. This is sad. One possible solution to this problem is to show Canadian shorts before main features at our local moviehouses. Instead of sitting through a mind numbing array of commercials why not entertain audiences with a selection of some of the best of our nation's short subject films? In this way our filmmakers would be granted some much deserved attention and it might also serve to inspire other cinematic artists to achieve their artistic goals. It's a win/win solution.
Cindy Illsley	{19 votes}	February 28th, 2005
Almost unbearably excruciating - De-lovely, indeed     The Hollywood Reporter referred to the film Since Otar Left as "almost unbearably moving." The Montreal Gazette referred to "scenes of excruciatingly human acting" in the Australian film Lantana. Newsweek referred to Lost in La Mancha as "excruciatingly entertaining." The Village Voice referred to Anne Reid's performance in The Mother as "quitely amazing." Now Melora Koepke refers to "Landreth's excruciatingly lovely Ryan." Does that mean that Ryan was so achingly beautiful that you couldn't bear to watch it? "Excruciating" means "intensely painful, agonizing, causing great mental distress, severe pain or torture." I'd have second thoughts if someone referred to one of my books or plays or films as "almost unbearably enjoyable" or "excruciatingly well-written." Hail the naked adjective! When you catch an adverb, kill it.
Victor Trahan	{51 votes}	February 25th, 2005
Congrats all around!     Congrats to Landreth for the win and for a fine speech. And congrats to Ryan Larkin for inspiring such a film - and hopefully for being inspired enough to put his talent back to pen and paper and to give us another (hopefully!) Oscar-nominated animated short, this time drawing on his own experiences and through his own work. I sense great things afoot - let's all hope for the best!
Ben Kalman	{1 vote}	March 10th, 2005
Great short!!!     I am glad to see that our Canadian taxpayer dollars are finally being used to produce relevant pieces, not fluff like "Men With Brooms"! And this short shows that is isn't the length of the movie, but how you use it!!! I am glad to see our great filmakers getting recongnition south of the border. Maybe more people will decide to watch Canadian movies!!! Until then, we have to keep pumping more tax dollars into it. After all, the governement knows what is good for us!
Eric Wilson	{4 votes}	March 3rd, 2005
The psychological realism of the film Ryan     I was fortunate enough to catch Ryan on Télé-Québec last night and was taken by surprise by the 3D animation and the colourful presentation. But, what really struck me was the powerful message behind the short. Chris Landreth creates a simple story between himself and Ryan and shows how people are not defined by their environment or bodies but by their psychological state. What is interesting is that their psychological states affect them so much that their bodies are disembodied and falling to pieces. The psychological realism of this film reminds me of how easy it is to spot an unhappy person who isn't comfortable in their skin. In Ryan's case, he reflects about his apparent downfall (which could be an uprising) faults, and regrets which is his everyday reality. I think that it's great for Montreal and the NFB for Landreth to win the Oscar. It just goes to show that the Canadians can swim with the hard-hitters.
Marguerite Ryan	{2 votes}	March 1st, 2005
Dedication     I congratulate Landreth on winning an oscar. I always get all teared up when a Canadian takes an award at an American show. The short animation "documentary" Ryan was an eye opener that anyone anywhere can be down on their luck and end up in the streets. That is why I always give my last change to anyone unlucky enough to be out there...but I think to dedicate the award to Ryan, to give him something to look forward to create, to find what is still in him, and to show that others still believe in him, is the greatest award another person can give to someone. I hope he can get back on his feet and do great things creatively once again. You go Ryan!
Joyce Stemkowsky	{4 votes}	March 1st, 2005
Ryan Wins     I was so glad to hear that Ryan won the Oscar for documentary short film. I hope that by this film being really popular that Ryan can get back on his feet and start working in films again instead of panhandling on the streets on Montreal. This story on Ryan Larkin is very interesting because he was once nominated for an Oscar in the same category back in 1969. Now the question that will be answered is what will happen to Ryan Larkin next month? Will he still be living on the streets or decide to get a job and get back on his feet.
Carmela Sicurella	{1 vote}	March 1st, 2005
Open your minds and see that great film     I read a lot of very unpleasant comments about the article above. As if a sign of greatness was the fact that most people can recognize you or that you've done a movie in Hollywood. All these people trashing Larkin and Landreth should see the movie. It opens with a line on how the movie maker only sees dull people when he walks around the streets of Toronto. How he rarely sees any true colors or any true life coming out of most people he meets. And I have the feeling that those people commenting on the article don't have much color. Do we really have to be so mean to pretend we're honnest and direct? Why just don't skip writing anything if all you can say is that you don't know these movie makers? And why don't you all just keep on watching Hitch if all you will see is what has been nominated for an Oscar? Does it mean that Landreth's beautiful film would be less interesting if the Academy had chosen not to nominate it? Learn to make your own opinions, people!
Marc Charette	{2 votes}	February 28th, 2005
And the Oscar went to...     Ryan. Yay, Ryan won the Oscar! I haven't seen it, and probably wouldn't have heard of it had it not been nominated for an Oscar and put on the cover of the Hour. And, a nod to Canada, as the recipient of the Oscar for "Ryan" mentioned Canada about five times in his acceptance speach. And, in true French-Quebecois fashion, he sported a small pony-tail, and a much needed shave. Oh, how one can spot french-Canadian males internationally...I love it.
Larissa Dutil	{11 votes}	February 27th, 2005
Very good Animation     This film played this week on french TV. It was in english with french subtitles. It is a very good animated film. It was very good done: the story is good and the animation is fantastic. The coulours are vibrant and even the backgrounds are very nice animated. I really hope this film wins the oscar this week-end. I will be watching and hoping for sure. It would be very nice, when M. Larkin makes some money because of this film and gets off the streets as a panhandler. Somebody should sponsor him, give him a good suit, fly him to los angeles and have a good time at the oscars (again!). It would be nice to see him on stage in case the film wins. I really hope this film will do something good for his life in the future.
Dirk Wagner	{14 votes}	February 26th, 2005
Don't Short Change Ryan     Ryan Larkin was on the verge of being forgotten.This would have been a tragedy.There is so much to be learned and gleened from his story.It makes you think twice before you just brush aside or discard that person on the street who just asked for your change. This film will win the Oscar.There is nothing nominated in this category that comes close.It should be recognized and nominated in other categories as well.It's a technical achievement, brilliantly written,directed and acted.It's too bad that it's a short film.Some of the best features this year are also biopics.But none of them are as uniquely conceived. I'm amazed at how limitted some people's assesments of this film have been.I'd bet most haven't seen the film.This film IS excruciating,emotionally.I'm sure anyone who can't appreciate this has never had a family member or loved one was tormentted by substance abuse or mental illness.To be effected by it or suffering from it is a harsh reality that many people deny.It is not an easy subject to discuss let alone make a sensitive and accurate film about.I don't even know if Chris Landreth realized at the beginning how appropriate his mutimedia approach would be.We see the character inside and out.Incomplete and whole.Lucid and erratic.Low tech and high tech.A perfect interpretation of what comprises a troubled existance like Ryan's. I'm happy for Ryan that this film was made while he is still young enough to hopefully benefit from it.I'm thankful that Chris Landreth and the NFB were inspired enough to bring this story and this subject to the forefront.Technically this film is as good or better than any of the Animatrix's shorts.I hope that this film's lack of a Hollywood pedigree doesn't keep people from absorbing it's method and message.
Oliver Domenchini	{11 votes}	February 26th, 2005
Getting it right     Oh my god it's Woody Allen!! It's a wonder this guy has managed to catapult himself back into the media moshpit that drove him over the edge in the first place. He's come around full circle and it's too bad his life must be plagued with this extremity but perhaps he thrives on it. This newly resurrected glow that hangs about him like someone who's just landed their next fix from limelight hell can be good (really trying to avoid my pessimistic nature here). I heard him say on CBC what a shame it is that twenty bucks has an average two hour wallet-span, when he could stretch that clean across one blissful week. Lets hope for his sake, that this time around Ryan invests this in creating beautiful worlds, and not dwelling in self pity at the bottom of a black label 2.0.
Jesse Stacey	{10 votes}	February 25th, 2005
Ryan on the Rebound!     Well, I have to concede that from the relatively brief excerpts that I`ve seen, the breadth and depth of Chris Landreth`s animation is pretty damn engaging. The representation of a character as tragically compelling as Ryan Larkin, presented in fragmented form - not unlike the man himself, is absolutely compelling in it`s stark cartoonish beauty. I`m only hoping that this film gives Mr. Larkin the wherewithal and inspiration to recapture some of his former glory. He is, after all, a world class talent whose muse has sadly remained silent for far too long.
Mark St Pierre	{9 votes}	February 25th, 2005
Film Review 101/When Ryan met Oscar     It's ok to admit it, you know. No really, it is. Say it with me if it makes you feel any better. No really, you won't be alone. Ok, on the count of 3 say it with me, 1...2...3! "I don't know who Ryan Larkin or Chris Landreth are much less why I should give a damn about their film works." See? Now, don't you feel better? Truth be told, unless you were a serious hardcore film freak these names and these projects *should* mean nothing to you. I'm not saying that you shouldn't get to know them but do keep in mind that if you view cinema as escapist fun then this won't be for you. For that I suggest "Hitch" or something equally homogenized. Where this is for you really depends on how broad your movie tastes are. You've been forwarned by myself and the article what to expect so don't whine when you start to feel as if you've been had when and if you see it.
Pedro Eggers	{17 votes}	February 24th, 2005
The altering of ryan -     ...oscar huff and fluff set aside (..oscars are nothing more than smega and smutz...) - a documentary that attempts to reveal the essence of an artist such as ryan larkin does require the tools and the intent on creating a documentary that visually represents a new ethos of what beauty truly represents: and while the smega and smutz of oscar-fever tends to blind many people about what art offers (bottomline - a bunch of people getting together to 'reward' any attempt at art with a statue seems no more democratic than a george bush junior invasion into yet another persia gulf nation to bring 'liberation'..) this examination and exploration into the spaces and places of truth remains very vital and very important as we travel further and further into the stripping down protocol of the 21st century as technology and information continues to shatter and dissolve and devour the glossy-happy-shiny-bright veneer that has attempted to conceal and hide what needs to be seen: more than anything ryan and alter ego - which can be seen as twin engines of the same kraft - offers us the opportunity to sit down and allow ourselves to truly question what an artist such as larkin has been compelled to ask himself constantly: religion's insufferable intolerance throughout the centuries disguised as doing the lord's will - politics' constant manipulation of the wills and intent of the populace to remain entrenched in the perpetual abyss of greed and power (..currently witnessed with the concerns over same-sex marriage...) - and the general intolerance existing alongside the twin evils of religion and politics where consumerism becomes the fix for a jaded and apathetic public (..the media's ongoing addiction to lacking integrity in order to 'get the story' to increase circulation...) ryan larkin becomes a mirror of an individual understanding his personal truths and his personal virtues that goes beyond being the comeback-wunderkid tag currently being placed on him.
Gary Womac	{11 votes}	February 24th, 2005
Three cheers for Ryan!     Just shows how you never know someone buy just seeing him on the streets. I hope that this is a new begining to the rest of Ryan's life. It doesn't really matter wether he gets that Oscar, if he has been nominated ,it is just as good. Sometimes we need a good break in life to just feel like your on top of the world again. Good Luck Ryan!
Maria Cecillia Silva	{1 vote}	March 2nd, 2005
And the Oscar goes to...     Well for those of you who wanted to wait to see if this Montreal production got an Oscar, it just did. So I suggest that everyone who did not think it was worthwhile now make time. Kudos to Chris Landreth for giving a decent speach.
Tanya Parvez	{3 votes}	February 27th, 2005
Ryan who?     I've never heard of Ryan Larkin and much less on Chris Landreth. I do feel bad for Ryan for what happened to him and would be interested in watching the 14-minute 3-D animation, only because I like watching animation alot. The fact that its been nominated for the Oscars, only makes me curious to watch it. I wish him all the luck.
Rita Reale	{5 votes}	February 26th, 2005
I'll wait till after Oscar night     All I see when I look at that still from the movie is funky deconstructed face that looks like Woody Allen. That isn't the best selling point for me to see this. The article doesn't really make me want to see the movies as much as finding out about the people behind them. Maybe if there's an Oscar win I'll start to be more interested.
Vladimir Joseph	{5 votes}	February 25th, 2005

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