Imaginative to the core, "The Rancher" is one of those alternative universe kind of projects where the creator takes the liberty to envision a different reality where anything is possible. In this short film, Lyndon B. Johnson has bizarre and strange dreams that seem to affect his speech, his presidency and there seems nothing he can do about it - but towards the big moment one important fact of his government seems to have been influenced by those recurring nightmares. 

Kelly Sears' film is a strange yet well made experience that uses of animation and other effects skillfully mounted with countless pictures and archive footage of LBJ to present its story, with resourceful and spectacular effects that makes us feel as if experiencing Johnson's problems. But the journey would feel more intense and better developed if sound effects with Johnson's voice were used instead of just a narrator telling us about the crazy dreams affecting LBJ and the images shifting from one movement to another. Slurred and morose mixture of sounds, voice failing or shaky, things like that followed with the extensive images of the former president would be a nice touch. 

In terms of relevance and imagining what would be like if such event was happening with the man is just speculation, pure imagination and for that I can give plenty of credit to Sears. 7/10

Animation is a form of visual storytelling that involves creating visual art and motion through the use of various techniques and technologies. In animation, images are manipulated to create the illusion of movement, bringing characters, objects, and environments to life. Animation can encompass a wide range of styles, themes, and intended audiences, making it a diverse and versatile form of storytelling.

Daveigh Chase, Rumi Hiiragi, and Mari Natsuki in Spirited Away (2001)

The short form refers to creative works characterized by their brevity and concise storytelling. Unlike full-length feature films, short films have a running time of less than 45 minutes, while TV shorts have a running time of less than 22 minutes.

Benedict Cumberbatch in The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar (2023)

A quasi-historical thriller featuring Lyndon B. Johnson.

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The Rancher

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