Ernie Biscuit

Ernie Biscuit is a quirky, charming, and emotionally resonant claymation film from 2015 by Australian director Adam Elliot, who is best known for his Academy Award-winning short film, "Harvie Krumpel" and the critically acclaimed "Mary and Max". The film features the voice talent of seasoned Australian actor, John Flaus, in the eponymous role.

At nearly 20 minutes long, the film tells the poignant and touching story of a deaf-mute, lonely and socially inept Parisian taxidermist named Ernie Biscuit. Presented as a stunningly intricate monochrome mood piece, Elliot’s film gives us a story of loneliness, longing, and unexpected adventures all set against visually striking stop-motion aesthetics. Its ability to communicate the character's emotions and situations without the need for dialogue is wonderfully contrasted with its minimalistic setting, making it a truly unforgettable experience.

The film starts with an overview of Ernie's mundane and somewhat depressing life in Paris, with his taxidermy skills reflecting his isolation from other human connections. He leads a life shrouded by a melancholic cloud, devoid of engagement and interactions. He merely exists rather than truly living, and his only companions are the lifeless animals that he brings 'back to life' through his profession. His life gets knocked off course when he inherits a mysterious chest full of strange objects and a talking parrot from a distant relative in Australia. The objects and the parrot spin out a compelling story from his family's past, creating a life-changing experience that reshapes his understanding of the world and spurs him of on an unexpected journey.

Elliot's film is closely characterized by a haunting yet charming visual style, peppered with small details in each scene. The monochromatic palette complements the narrative perfectly, adding a layer of depth and nuance to Ernie's isolated world. Each ebb and flow conduces a profound sense of emotion from the viewers, inviting them to join Ernie on his journey from loneliness to self-discovery.

Elliot always stays grounded and honest in his portrayal of Ernie's mental landscape. His ability to depict sorrow, loneliness, and mundane reality without overdramatizing or romanticizing them speaks volumes about his skill as a storyteller. His attention to detail, along with the laconic narration provided by John Flaus, helps in creating empathy for Ernie, whose facial expressions are limited by the medium of claymation. It's a testament to Elliot's skill that despite Ernie's lack of dialogue and the absence of any notable action, viewers get deeply invested in his story.

John Flaus, with his storytelling and unique voice modulation, gives life to Ernie, making the viewers connect with his character on an emotional level. Although Ernie is a silent character, Flaus' narration transcends this boundary, enabling the audience to understand and empathize with Ernie's inner turmoil and external hardships. His voiceover enriches the narration, tactfully maneuvering between the gloom-ridden and the humor-filled moments of Ernie's journey. Flaus turns what could have been a simple narration into a powerful storytelling experience with his deep and rich voice that perfectly complements the animation's tone.

Ernie Biscuit is a remarkably soulful and bittersweet tale defined by its unique animation techniques, its aussitudity, and its ability to convey a powerful message about life without uttering a single word. The film reflects the harsh realities of loneliness, the mundane life of the masses, and the escapism that one can find in the smallest and seemingly insignificant things in life.

Adam Elliot's focus on creating an immersive ambiance through meticulously detailed stop-motion animation combined with John Flaus's narration makes Ernie Biscuit a profound cinematic experience that is sure to leave a lasting impression on viewers. Despite its brief runtime and sparsely populated settings, Ernie Biscuit is a beautiful and deep film that confidently navigates the complexities of life, loneliness, and dreams often left unfulfilled, making it a must-watch for animation enthusiasts and movie buffs alike.