The Ballad of a Thin Man: In Search of Ryan Larkin: In Search of Ryan Larkin (with DVD) [Paperback]

Chris Robinson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 19, 2008 | ISBN-10: 1598635603 | ISBN-13: 978-1598635607 | Edition: 1

"Ballad of a Thin Man" explores the life, work and times of Ryan Larkin, a brilliant Academy Award-nominated animator, whose short film "Walking," made in 1969, is considered one of the most influential animated films of all time. Yet, soon after this early triumph, Larkin dropped from view and, when the author finds him thirty years later, he?s living on welfare and panhandling for change on a Montreal street corner. In this highly personal and deeply felt narrative, Chris Robinson examines Larkin's troubled career and, in a kind of dual biography, looks at his own troubled family history, his alcoholism and search for redemption, which in many ways mirrors the story of the troubled animator. At once sad, hopeful, and at times excruciatingly funny, "Ballad of a Thin Man" is an incisive profile of an influential artist and a deeply felt meditation on what it means to take responsibility for one?s life and actions. The book includes a bonus DVD featuring "Walking" and Larkin's 1972 "Street Musique," as well as Chris Landreth's Oscar-winning film about the animator, "Ryan" (2004).

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Chris Robinson is an Ottawa-based author who has been a director of the Ottawa International Animation Festival (OIAF) since 1994. A noted animation commentator, curator, and historian, Robinson has become a leading expert on Canadian and international independent animation. His writings on animation, hockey, and all facets of culture have appeared in many international publications including Salon.com, Animation World Magazine, Stop Smiling, The Ottawa Citizen, Take One, Cinemascope, and The Ottawa Xpress. In May 2004, Robinson was the recipient of the President?s Award given by the New York chapter of animators for contributions to the promotion of independent animation. Robinson lives in Ottawa with his wife Kelly and their sons Jarvis and Harrison.

Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Course Technology PTR; 1 edition (September 19, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1598635603
• ISBN-13: 978-1598635607
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,532,390 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Chris Robinson is an Ottawa-based writer.