Premiering at the Annecy Animation Festival in November, this short film by John Kars has since been nominated for an Oscar. “Paperman” opens to the scene of a young man waiting for a train on the station platform. His suit and tie, and handful of papers give the impression he is heading to work. What is more obvious however, is the sorrowful look on his face and his eyes, empty of all light. The dark shades of the black and white film reflect his gloomy emotion.
Suddenly, though, he comes to life when a beautiful girl runs past him chasing a paper. Just like passion to his life, the red of the young girl’s lipstick brings color to the grey scene. But just as quickly as their lives collided, she is on the next train leaving.
Through the crossing paths of these two characters, Kars portrays the classic idea of fate. I felt that this short film, however simple, captured the personality of life perfectly. No matter how much anyone tries to direct life in a specific way, it will always go where it wants. The young man was not able to find the young woman until fate allowed for the perfect timing. Although not always immediately apparent, life usually goes down the path it’s supposed to as well. The only choice we, as humans, have is to trust that what is meant to be will happen when it’s supposed to happen, where it’s supposed to happen, and with whom it’s supposed to happen. So, let go, enjoy the ride, and leave the rest to fate.
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