David James Armsby’s Model Citizen is a dystopian animated masterpiece

Posted January 2021

By Olivia Eyestone

Cub Reporter

Model Citizen is a dystopian animated short film created by David James Armsby, a fantastic short film director and animator whose films definitely prove that.

Armsby’s films are intertwined in this dystopian world he has created and put into picture, specifically Model Citizen, which deals with overpopulation and a cycle of perfection that “solves” the problem. The entire short film is black and white, giving it a strange 1940s or 1950s era feel. This film is very fast paced: scenes just fly by one after another, giving the film chaotic energy that definitely fits the plot. The score also builds onto the commotion. Tchacovsky’s Waltz of the Flowers surges through the background.

In this dystopian world, the characters are reverted back to early 20th century social standards. Father works all day, Mother cleans and makes dinner, and their son laughs at his parents kissing. Perfection, as the Autodale authorities perceive it, seems very old-fashioned. The relationships between the characters are very strong.

Armsby does a very good job of keeping the plot moving and giving the audience a look into the dark world of Autodale. Lovers of dystopian worlds and dark and twisty turns will love Model Citizen. This film is provocative and leaves you questioning conformity and blind followership. Model Citizen will leave you wanting more from the dark world of Autodale. Luckily, Armsby has a whole series on this universe that are definitely worth a watch.