Sir Viss
Written and told by Michelle Tocher Illustrated by Richard Row, and directed, edited and produced by David Adkin.
Sir Viss is a modern fable about a robot and his brilliant (but depraved) creator, a man named “Popeye” Irving. Popeye has designed the robot to be his servant, but when Popeye starts to tyrannize people, the robot has to make a choice about how best to serve his master.
The 16-minute film has been masterfully illustrated by Richard Row, and directed, edited and produced by David Adkin.
~ Rave Reviews ~
“Sir Viss is an unexpected modern allegory. Michelle Tocher created and tells the story of Sir Viss through the spoken word accompanied by drawn colored pictures. The interesting presentation feels like a video audio “book.” What seems a simple story weaves complex themes of artificial intelligence, social conventions, social status, service, freedom, isolation, and loneliness. The story is so rich and Ms. Tocher’s interpretation so good, that it feels as though we are watching an animated film even though the images are still. Even after the short is finished, one keeps thinking about the story and the ramifications of Popeye’s creation.”
— Beth Steele Radiseck
Special Programs Director,
Cleveland International Film Festival