Don Hertzfeldt’s film It’s Such a Beautiful Day (2012) takes simple stick figure characters, places them in scenes combining hand-drawn animation, experimental optical effects, photographs, and more, using the technology of a 35mm rostrum animation camera stand from the 1940s. This hybrid of visual media, combined with classical music and Hertzfeldt’s own score, creates a unique and unforgettable film that will fascinate not only fans of animation, but anyone contemplating the struggles and answers to life’s biggest questions.
The film follows a stick-figure man named Bill trying to come to grips with aging, a troubled family history, a failing memory, and the meaning of life. A compilation of three shorter films, “Everything Will Be Ok” (2006), “I Am So Proud of You” (2008), and“It’s Such a Beautiful Day” (2011), this complete version allows viewers to visually walk alongside Bill as he faces life’s many challenges and questions. In Bill’s odyssey through mostly mundane routines, the audience gains empathy with his struggles, all the while considering their own thoughts on worldview, philosophy, beliefs, and outlook on life. Although Hertzfeldt’s vision can feel experimental, strange, and bizarre, so can our lives.
Absurdity, tragedy, and comedy weave in and out of the film as Bill reminisces on his relationship with his family, his declining memory, and his uncertain future. Yet this is not meant to be just one person’s story. Although the film is challenging, it is also approachable. The audience sees themselves in Bill the everyman, who may not be who they are right now, but who they may become.
One reason Hertzfeldt’s film is unique is that he insists on total creative control. He writes, directs, animates, edits, photographs, records, mixes, and distributes his films himself. (He also writes much of the music.) Hertzfeldt has twice been nominated for an Academy Award and is the only filmmaker to have won the Sundance Film Festival’s Grand Jury Prize for Short Film twice (“Everything Will Be Ok” in 2007 and “World of Tomorrow” in 2015).
It’s Such a Beautiful Day is highly recommended for film collections in community college and university libraries, particularly those with film, animation, or art programs, yet public libraries should also consider purchasing the film.
What academic subjects would this film be suitable for?
It’s Such a Beautiful Day would be a valuable resource for community college and university classes offering classes on art, film, and animation.
What kind of film collection would this title be suitable for?
It’s Such a Beautiful Day would be a good addition to library collections focusing on animation, short films, and experimental films. With the appropriate public performance rights, the film could also fit into any unique library programs or events.
What subjects or college majors would benefit from the content covered in this film?
Art, film studies, animation, philosophy