Ah, L'Amour

"Ah, l'amour" is the ultimate animated slice-of-life comedy of an average male desperately seeking love from the opposite sex. Along his two minute quest he is tortured, maimed, and killed several times, simply for trying to be friendly-- the most unnervingly truthful metaphors of rejection that I have ever witnessed. While this creative, minimalist animation is laugh-out-loud funny, it is also painfully accurate. Personally, I couldn't help but to empathize with the little guy.

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.

There is no question as to Don Hertzfeldt's angle here. He has probably experienced much of what is in this film. It is certainly male prejudice but it is still captivating. A spirited young man goes up to women. One he asks for a date. Another he compliments on her shoes. It doesn't matter what he says, the women take delight in destroying him in the most malicious ways. The conclusion sort of wraps it all up in a bow.

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.

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.