The Leunig Fragments

A personal portrait of an intensely private man, The Leunig Fragments offers insights into the creative process of Australia’s most renowned and accomplished cartoonist, Michael Leunig.

Director Kasimir Burgess delves past the enigmatic artist’s acclaimed work, controversial social commentary and whimsical illustrations to see inside the mind behind the art. In a candid interview in Leunig’s Melbourne studio — filmed in the aftermath of an almost fatal brain seizure — the artist reflects on his childhood, his estranged family and, in broader philosophical strokes, the intrinsic nature of life and death and its influence on his creative process.

Burgess intersperses the interview with animated adaptations of Leunig’s work, re-enactments of early memories and poignant readings of his poetry.