Live in Chicago? Love animation? Come be a part of An Evening with Don Hertzfedlt, including his latest short "It’s Such a Beautiful Day" and an awkward Q&A!!!

Hey everyone. Capone in Chicago here.

So here's the thing about Don Hertzfeldt: the guy is a certifiable genius. Anyone who has watched his glorious, hilarious hand-drawn animated shorts "Billy's Balloon," "Ah, L'Amour," or "Rejected" knows this already, and you've more than likely watched these shorts more times than you can count, especially the truly inspired "Rejected."

But beginning with "The Meaning of Life" and continuing on to the 2006-07 exercise in mental gymnastics "Everything Will Be Ok," and 2008's "I Am So Proud of You," the Oscar-nominated Hertzfeldt has gone from being a gifted writer and animator of comic shorts into a more existential realm that faithfully examines the way the human mind works and fails to work. He's showing us the mental movie that runs inside a fractured mind, while maintaining a level of humor, but adding a blanket of melancholy and despair. One could see these recent works as a portrait of a man trying to fend off a psychological meltdown, or perhaps this is said meltdown in its earliest incarnation. Most importantly, Hertzfeldt has transformed himself from animator and storyteller into a true artist. And his latest work, "It's Such a Beautiful Day" (the third and final part in the trilogy about "Bill" the sickly man whose brain and memories seem to be failing him) is heartfelt proof of this.

His longest work to date, this new piece, much like his other recent works, is impossible to summarize or explain. You just need to see it, and in doing so, you'll understand that behind Hertzfeldt's countless triumphs and accolades over the years is a man with some serious issues in dealing with the everyday world. This is yet another one of his films that got a genuinely deep emotional response from me, and I think it's accurate to say I was fairly devastated after watching it, which of course forced me to watch it again.

But don't take my word on the greatness of Don Hertzfeldt. If you live in or near Chicago, get proof for yourself in an evening of really special events. Tomorrow, Wednesday, February 29, Hertzfeldt will be in Chicago for an "Evening with Don Hertzfeldt" at the famed Music Box Theatre. A second show has just been added (since the earlier 7:30pm how just sold out), so advanced tickets are now available for a 10:10pm show (I'll be moderating this particular Q&A but not the earlier show).

First off, a selection of Don's classic animated shorts will be screened, including all three parts of the trilogy, concluding with "It's Such A Beautiful Day." After the shorts, what is sure to be one of the most awkward and uncomfortable Q&As you'll ever see will commence. You do no want to miss this rare event. I did one of these events with Hertzfeldt back in 2008, and while he is a bit shy and reserved, he's also really funny and articulate about his work. Typically, great questions and an enthusiastic crowd lure some excellent responses from him.

And what if you don't live in Chicago or can't make the trip? Don is actually in the middle of a tour to promote the new short that began in November 2011 and continues through April. Chicago is about the midway point on this tour. Check Bitter Films website for upcoming dates and locations. I implore you if you live in one of the towns not to miss this evening of classic animation and a chance to spent a little time with this talented artist.

-- Steve Prokopy
"Capone"
capone@aintitcool.com
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