Watch Animation Outlaws

Animation Outlaws is a captivating documentary that premiered in 2020, featuring the voices of renowned storytellers such as Seth Green, Weird Al Yankovic, and Andrew Stanton. The movie is a fascinating and in-depth look into the world of independent animators who, through their passion and creativity, revolutionized the animated film-making industry.

The film takes us on a journey through the 70s and 80s, when a group of trailblazing animators, led by Bill Plympton and John Kricfalusi, broke away from the traditional animation industry and began to produce daring and provocative animated shorts. The animation outlaws, as we come to know them, did not conform to standard animation rules and created films that were at times dark, sexual, and politically charged. They used their medium to challenge beliefs and question norms, breaking barriers in the world of animation.

What makes the Animation Outlaws so fascinating is the way that it explores the creative processes of these animators. We see them sketching, doodling, filming and collaborating, giving us insight into just how much hard work and sweat went into producing these films. We learn about the long hours spent animating frames by hand, reams of paper that were used to create a single film and the crazy and sometimes dangerous stunts that animators would use to pull off a shot.

It's not just the stories of brave animation executives that captivate viewers, either. The film also delves into the personalities and mood swings of those like John Kricfalusi, the creator of "Ren & Stimpy," who had a strong and at times, erratic and unpredictable working style that ultimately led to him leaving the industry. We get to learn about the dynamism of these people and how they each brought their unique perspectives to the table.

We also get to learn about the challenges faced by these animators, especially when it came to financing their work. The film explains how independent films were largely unknown and therefore not often financed by mainstream sources. The animation outlaws had to be creative in the way they raised funds, from doing public screenings to selling merchandise, and this often came at a personal cost to the animators.

The filmmakers capture the atmosphere of the era, which was characterized by counterculture and rebellion. The animators were part of a movement that was calling for change, and this is explored through the different films that are covered in the movie. One particular standout is the film "Dirty Duck," made by Plympton in 1974, which uses adult themes and humor to comment on the ills of society.

Many of the animators featured in Animation Outlaws have since become legends in their field, and it's fascinating to see where their careers have taken them. Some of them, like Benoit Feroumont, who went on to produce the critically acclaimed film "Beauty and the Beast," went on to create more mainstream, family-friendly animations. Others, like Kricfalusi and Plympton, continue to produce independent, niche animations that push creative boundaries.

Overall the movie is a riveting tale of how a group of animators defied industry conventions to create something special. The film captures the essence of the era and brings to light the magic that was created during this time. For art aficionados or for anyone who has ever had an interest in the world of animation, Animation Outlaws is a must-see.

Animation Outlaws is a 2020 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 8 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.7.