This is an animated documentary film structured around the life and legend of Jack LaLanne as it explores my personal experiences growing up female and gay in 1960s-70s America. I was a serious athlete during my early and young adult years, thus the film also delves into issues of self-identity, societal expectations, and the effects of aging on the human body. “I (heart) Jack LaLanne: A Cartoon Memoir” uses classic and computer-based animation techniques that serve as the visuals to voiceover storytelling. Original drawings combine with rotoscoped footage, composited archival video clips float inside retro televisions, while stop-motion vitamins march toward their mark. Because this is a memoir, family photographs join the action through cut-out animation techniques while personal documents and objects, such as x-rays, pamphlets, keepsakes and letters share the frame. The film moves around in time and space, with Jack Lalanne’s career trajectory serving as a touchstone to my personal journey. Using this playful visual aesthetic and a humorous tone, the film tackles serious issues, including the impact of television role models on children, coming out as gay in a less tolerant era, and dealing with a late-in-life disability.
