Anton may be done with life, but life ain’t done with Anton. In his convincing decision to change his measly existence he discovers the real greatness of life.
‘Life Is Beautiful’ starts off as a sad story but slowly floats into a magical and whimsical universe, and also gets quite amusingly funny. Animator Ben Brand created the film arising the old question about life after death, where he can’t give the answer himself, but rather decided to show his attempt to a possible answer in his short film.
The idea behind ‘Life is Beautiful’ is to show the parallels between faith in Heaven & Hell and my personal belief in reincarnation. After death we all leave our body and our energy or spirit travels further to a next place. I do believe in the existence of a heaven and hell, only not in a “Heaven” above the clouds or a “hell” deep underground. I think both are here on Earth, it just depends on what you make of life.
Ben also devoted a lot to his character development, or at least development of his miserable life. The life and universe around draws our the main protagonist’s outcome quite smoothly despite its depth.
Although topics like suicide and the afterlife maybe heavy, the film is supposed to be a funny, tragicomic film for young and old. Anton’s situation maybe very sad, but the playful design make it light and funny. I think you can compare it to the characters in the films of the Coen Brothers. These are often plagued by their appearance, the situation and the way they are portrayed. While being entertained, you feel sorry for them at the same time.
Through the film’s sadness you’ll end up with a big smile by the end. Kudos on the entire team for putting this unforgettable fun piece together!