Rejected

Rejected is a playful trove of cartoons that began as advertising concepts but were rejected for being too odd. Rather than a single story, the film assembles Hertzfeldt's own experimental shorts into a wild, sometimes unsettling parade of ideas. Each piece slides from a goofy gag into something eerily off kilter, using spare line drawings, abrupt cuts, and deadpan narration to question the idea of selling reality. The humor hides a sharp sting as familiar commercial rhythms collapse under their own absurdity. Voices include Don Hertzfeldt as Spoon Guy and Banana, with Jennifer Nyholm and Robert May in multiple roles. It meshes childlike doodles with surreal themes that linger after the credits roll. Its sly critique echoes beyond the screen.

Directed by Don Hertzfeldt, Rejected collects the creator's own animated shorts that were meant as television ads but rejected for being too odd. Released in 2000, the film marks Hertzfeldt's breakout and showcases his distinctive hand drawn minimalist style throughout.

The film did not receive nominations for major awards. It did, however, gain recognition in small independent circles and is frequently cited by animators as an influence on the development of indie short form and satirical experimentation. Its status as a cult favorite endures.

Rejected has become a touchstone for indie animation and early internet culture. Its fearless blend of crude visuals with surreal punchlines inspired a new wave of creators to experiment with form, tone, and the relationship between art and advertising. It remains a reference point in discussions of animation and satire.

Critics praised its audacious setup and witty humor, noting how the shorts turn consumer culture on its head while probing the boundaries between sanity and creativity. The collection asks what animation can say when constraints vanish and advertising tropes collapse. It remains a showcase of risk taking that feels fresh.