Something Left, Something Taken

Something Left, Something Taken is an intriguing short animation film from 2010, co-directed by the dynamic duo Ru Kuwahata and Max Porter, which explores the vast terrain of storytelling with a balanced brew of humor, suspense, and surrealism. Featuring the voices of the directors themselves, along with Kyle McKeveny, the movie collaborates a striking blend of artistry and creativity, narrating an unforgettable experience of a couple who gets entwined in an eerily humorous adventure in San Francisco.

The 10-minute long narrative centers around a couple, Ru and Max who venture into the city of fog, famously known as San Francisco, for their vacation. As they load their luggage onto the plane and head towards their quirky yet mysterious adventure, the directors brilliantly encapsulate the whirlwind of fear and fascination that envelops the couple as they delve deeper into the trip. The fascination of exploring a new city comes with an underbelly of anxiety and suspicion, especially when one is a stranger with no bearings or acquaintances.

Upon landing, Ru and Max have an unexpected encounter that sets the tone of the narrative. They hitch a ride with a peculiar stranger who churns their excitement and suspense for the forthcoming journey. This strange man, voiced by Kyle McKeveny, is an amazingly crafted character who has the power to amuse, yet subtly instil a sense of discomfort and intensity in the tale.

As the narrative further unwinds, a canny cocktail of reality and imagination takes over the couple's experience. It immerses the audience into a stratum of comic paranoia that blurs the distinction between what is factual and what might just be the couple's wary and exaggerated interpretation of reality. This unique merging of reality and fantasy sets a fresh and vibrant thematic backdrop to the animation, where the real world becomes a colorful playground of uncertainties and riddles.

What particularly stands out in Something Left, Something Taken is its innovative storytelling method that harmoniously combines elements of stop-motion, cut-outs, and 2D animation. The film's excellent mode of presentation is presented through an amazing amalgamation of proficiently digitized craftsmanship. This accentuates the plot's element of suspense and eerie humor, and effortlessly brings the characters to life with a distinct charm and relatability. This winning combination of different animation styles creates a potent visual experience that perfectly complements the unconventional narrative set in the eccentric environment of San Francisco.

All the characters in the short film are uniquely characterized with intriguing quirks and nuances, which substantially adds to its layered narrative. From Ru and Max's cautious yet exploratory nature to their eccentric ride-sharer's peculiar demeanor, each character exhibits a distinct personality and voice that resonantly echoes throughout the narrative. These detailed characterizations contribute to a captivating narrative that is as unusual as its characters, acting as a catalyst in pushing the boundaries of unconventional storytelling.

The soundscape of Something Left, Something Taken, designed by none other than Max Porter himself, deserves special mention. The audio builds layers of eccentricity that essentially mold the film’s atmosphere. It creates a truly immersive cinematic experience, enveloping the audience into a world that's part reality and part fantastical animation.

Despite its brief duration, Something Left, Something Taken, packs a punch and leaves a lingering aftertaste. It is an ambitious and colorful experiment that excels in telling a story with eccentricity while maintaining the suspense and humor. It delves into the exploration of paranoia and exaggerated realities, offering its audience a one-of-a-kind cinematic experience. This animated short film indeed showcases the prodigious talents of Ru Kuwahata and Max Porter by redefining the very essence of animated storytelling. For those who appreciate a touch of eccentricity and humor in their cinematic experience, Something Left, Something Taken is indeed a must-watch.