Short films, especially animated shorts, are often overlooked and thought of as an inferior art form. On the contrary, a short film must say a lot in a very small amount of time which isn't an easy feat. These Oscar nominated animated shorts prove that short doesn't equal inferior.
The official Oscar website is a wealth of Academy Award history.
'The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore' The USA
Synopsis;
Inspired, in equal measures, by Hurricane Katrina, Buster Keaton, The Wizard of Oz, and a love for books, The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore is a poignant, humorous allegory about the curative powers of story. Using a variety of techniques (miniatures, computer animation, 2D animation) award winning author/ illustrator William Joyce and Co-director Brandon Oldenburg present a hybrid style of animation that harkens back to silent films and MGM Technicolor musicals. Morris Lessmore is old fashioned and cutting-edge at the same time.
Review
Every book lover will feel this lovely animated short in their heart and soul. Lovely, charming and perfect.
'La Luna' Disney/Pixar The USA
Synopsis
A fable of a young boy who is coming of age in the most peculiar of circumstances. Tonight is the very first time his Papa and Grandpa are taking him to work. In an old wooden boat they row far out to sea, and with no land in sight, they stop and wait. A big surprise awaits the little boy as he discovers his family's most unusual line of work. Should he follow the example of his Papa, or his Grandpa? Will he be able to find his own way in the midst of their conflicting opinions and timeworn traditions?
Review
The Disney/Pixar flare is present in this heart-warming short. It reminds me of the little short cartoons that used to be shown before a movie. A real contender for this award.
'A Morning Stroll' The USA
Synopsis
When a New Yorker walks past a chicken on his morning stroll, we are left to wonder which one is the real city slicker.
Review
Starting in the 50s and going through to 2059, we follow a tall skinny man, another street stroller and a chicken. The past and the present are about right, I hope we never have to endure the future. This animated short will give the others a run for their money.
Dimanche (Canada)
Synopsis
Every Sunday, it's the same old routine! The train clatters through the village and almost shakes the pictures off the wall. In the church, Dad dreams about his toolbox. And of course later Grandma will get a visit and the animals will meet their fate.
Very cute, but it just doesn't pay to be an animal in this short from Canada.
Wild Life (Canada)
Synopsis
Calgary, 1909. An Englishman moves to the Canadian frontier, but is singularly unsuited to it. His letters home are much sunnier than the reality. Intertitles compare his fate to that of a comet.
Review
All things being equal, I'd rather be the comet. This short is drawn well, but doesn't have the spark that most of the other nominees have.
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