What it's called: Tales of the Rat FinkWho done it: Directed by Ron Mann; produced by Sphinx Productions
What it's about: Ed "Big Daddy" Roth's colorful life, narrated by celebrities, and set to animation, including anthropomorphized (that's giving inanimate objects human-like qualities, in case you're wondering) cars.
Notes: There's probably no better measure of your influence than having celebrities narrate your life. Tales of the Rat Fink is just that: a synopsis of Ed "Big Daddy" Roth's influence on American culture, as told by equally influential people.
Directed by the eclectic, creative, and champion of under-appreciated pop culture, Ron Mann, Tales is nothing you'd expect. These celebrities aren't your standard fare, either; they're the likes of Simpsons creator Matt Groening, Tonight Show host Jay Leno, artist and former Roth employee Robert Williams, writer Tom Wolfe, comedians Tom and Dick Smothers, actress and siren Ann Margret, and Beach Boys brainchild Brian Wilson. This isn't a series of interviews, either; they're enthusiastic yarns delivered by hot rods and customs, real cars whose headlights blink with their respective celebrity's vocal cadence.
Some of the selected cars are a little peculiar and the voice-overs a bit kooky at times, but the overall effect is thoughtful. John Goodman, as the posthumous voice of "The Large Father," weaves Roth's biography with that of America's post-World War II experience; the celebrity cars, in turn, fill the gaps and illustrate Roth's influence. Other than a few brief quotes from historical footage, there is no actual human-to-human dialogue.
This piece is particularly dynamic due to some very clever animation; pinstripes, flames, scallops, and a good dose of House Industries typeface all come to life as this story unfolds. The video begins and ends with footage taken at the '00 Rat Fink Reunion (the infamous and headlight-damaging over-the-road boom shot, in case you were there). There's also vintage (and exceptional) video footage that shows, among other things, color home films of dry lakes racing from the 1940s, two kids building a channeled roadster in the 1950s, and Ed Roth as himself in the 1960s, portending future generations' understanding of the custom car as art.
While it takes a while, Tales blossoms into a poignant snapshot of an influential man's life during an influential period of the 20th century. Sure, it's a little goofy at times, but so was Roth. Above and beyond that, though, Tales, like its protagonist, is colorful, fascinating, compelling, and leaves us wishing to see what it will do next.
Where to find it:Sphinx Productions
(416) 971-9131
www.sphinxproductions.com