Ah, L'Amour

I had rarely laughed so hard at animated violence until I watched Don Hertzfeld's work, and Ah, L'Amour is no exception. If you have ever known anyone who claims a potential significant other ripped out their heart and performed any of a series of mutilations upon it, you will be delighted to watch as these are acted out literally rather than figuratively. This brief yet cynical look at getting the time of day (literally) from a female rings especially true with most college-age males. The final interaction of the main character with a female is perhaps the most bitter comment on the subject ever dared to be stated explicitly. A few women may be offended at this cynical view, but I think most of us can relate and appreciate this bluntly honest view of the way some play the game of love.

The animated films from Don Hertzfeldt are very simply drawn--with stick figures and only in black and white (except when he occasionally tosses in some blood). So if you're looking for brilliant art, this certainly isn't a short film for you. However, where his films do excel is at being both funny and totally bizarre. Because they are so weird, they are certainly not for all tastes but are great for just the right off-kilter type of person.

This film is broken down into many little vignettes. In each, an innocent guy comes up to a lady and says something very innocuous. And in each case, the lady turns psycho and does something absolutely violent and horrible in return. I'm sure it's possibly trying to say something profound about male/female communication, but I really liked it for the insane reactions. They were so far over the top that they made me laugh again and again. Give it a watch and see if you, too, are the sort of person who might appreciate the oddness of Don Hertzfeldt.

This film is so good it should be shown to small school children. Don clearly understands the mystery of love well. I saw this online and sent it to everyone I know. I would like to have it put in the Library of Congress. Shown in theaters like the THX sound check . Relationships are soul stealing ordeals that are best left hidden but Ah Lamour is brilliant. It's funny but the minimum number of lines for a comment is ten here on IMDb . That means I have to write almost more lines that the length of this film. Weighin in at around a couple minutes Ah Lamour is a power packed mini movie. After seeing it you will give up dating, sex and having children. If bitterness is your fuel I highly recommend Ah Lamour. For stick figures the animation is actually quite brilliant. See it.

Don Hertzfeldts first real cartoon is a masterpiece of violence, cynicism and bitterness. The simple stick figure style contrasts beautifully with the blood and gore on-screen, and in combination with the silly little tune in the background you can't help but to laugh.

It's a good thing it doesn't last any longer. 2 minutes of this is tiring enough for my laugh-muscles. Animation has really been this funny, and I wonder if it'll ever be again. Anyone who saw this back when it was "released" must have seen more great things were on it's way from Don.

Don't miss this little gem. If you ever see the name Don Hertzfeldt, check it out no matter what. Surreal entertainment is guaranteed.

The very best thing about Hertzfeldt is his original vision of animated stick figures.

This is the very first and has many of the elements that make some of his subsequent work worthy. What's missing is the overt self-reference. The character is clearly himself, but in other works, the drawer is explicit, and often the paper as well.

But still funny, if you are a guy. The very same theme occurs in his "rejected" collection where the entire business world rejects the work. But that latter effort is much more clever in that it exploits his OTHER big idea (past the stick figures) the self- reference in the world, not the character.

Ted's Evaluation -- 2 of 3: Has some interesting elements.