S2E15: Ralph Bakshi

If you study the history of animation, there are few talents that are as influential as Ralph Bakshi. He transformed animation in the 70s and 80s, introducing complex social and adult themes, challenging the status quo of Disney and Hollywood at large. He was the first filmmaker to bring Lord of the Rings to the big screen and his accomplishments have inspired legions of animators, artists and story-tellers working today.

On a personal note, this was a bucket-list interview for me. All of these interviews I’ve done have been my artistic expression of gratitude toward friendship and the swervy path that life takes us on. And this little bend around the corner, getting to meet and converse with one of the heroes of animation, was just… well, I can’t really say enough about it. He was kind and gracious and I really do hope that some day I can find his place in New Mexico and share some green chile with him.