Jason Sondhi

A new animation conceived by the genius of Chris Ware on behalf of This American Life. This time around it was for the live edition of the show, that simulcast at theaters around the country earlier this spring. We reviewed Ware’s last collaboration with This American Life here, but we can’t resist re-featuring the work of possibly the most acclaimed man in comics.

Quimby, one of Ware’s earliest creations, gets center-stage this time as the short, 3:30 min film, animated by John Kuramoto, explores his dysfunctional, relationship with a female mouse head—a contrast perhaps to Robert Crumb’s headless woman? In both cases a creepy misogyny colors the work, though those familiar with Ware know not to take the film at this surface level.

The clean designs of Ware’s work paired with a lovely Andrew Bird song contrasted with the sheer uncomfortableness of the events, make Quimby the Mouse a viewing experience that demands some contemplation.