Sunday, February 15, 2015

Now in Theaters: Oscar-Nominated Shorts

via Animation Fascination
We have a new, lovely family tradition.  For the second year in a row, we went to see the Oscar-nominated, animated shorts at Savoy Theater in Montpelier.  In order of viewing...

Title: Me and My Moulton
Director: Torill Kove
Original Release: 2014
My Overall Rating: 3 stars out of 5

A Norwegian/Canadian production, Me and My Moulton is Kove's autobiographical account of growing up with her quirky family in Norway.  Like all children, she finds her parents embarrassing - Dad is the only man in town with a mustache - but feels lucky, in the long run, to grow up in a loving home.  The artwork is very simple, almost like a comic strip.

Title: Feast
Director: Patrick Osborne
Original Release: 2014
My Overall Rating: 3 stars out of 5

Disney's submission, Feast is a dog's perspective on his master's love life.   We first saw it in theaters when it was distributed in conjunction with Big Hero 6 this past fall.  This one was clearly the audience favorite at the Savoy as they laughed heartily throughout.

Title: The Bigger Picture
Director: Daisy Jacobs
Original Release: 2014
My Overall Rating: 3 stars out of 5

In terms of story, this British production was a bit of a downer.  It tells the tale of two brothers coping with their aging and dying mother.   The Bigger Picture has the most inventive animation of the five.  While most objects are filmed in stop-action, people appear as if drawn on the wall in crayon.  Depressing but interesting.

Title: A Single Life
Directors: Marieke Blaauw, Joris Oprins and Job Roggeveen
Original Release: 2014
My Overall Rating: 3 stars out of 5

The zaniest of the five, A Single Life is a Dutch film of a woman experiencing the sweep of her life as she goes forwards and backwards on a 45 rpm record.  This one's short indeed, only two minutes long.

Title: The Dam Keeper
Directors: Robert Kondo and Daisuke Tsutsumi
Original Release: 2013
My Overall Rating: 3 stars out of 5

An American production, The Dam Keeper is sort of a combination of Wonder and Hugo.  The unnamed protagonist is an orphaned pig who maintains the town's dam.  He is bullied at school.  One day, a cool kid befriends him, then breaks his heart - or so he thinks.

My wife and daughter both liked Me and My Moulton the best.  The Dam Keeper started very strong but lost me by the end.  I don't care for heavy-handed depression metaphors.  None of the movies blew me away but I'd probably pick Feast as the best.  One senses it will win but it would be really cool if A Single Life won.  It was the second-favorite for all of us.

For what it's worth, last year's crop was stronger.

22 comments:

  1. When I lived in Southern California I was able to see so many of the Short Animation, and Documentary. Much over looked but wonderful films.
    You are very lucky.
    A good friend of mine was connected to the 2010 Oscar nominated War documentary "Restrepo" It should have won.

    cheers, parsnip

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    1. There are screenings nationwide. I'm sure they're in AZ somewhere. Here's the website: http://shorts.tv/theoscarshorts/dates-locations/

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    2. We have The Loft here that shows many of the nominated films that the big chains don't.
      But in SC I could have my pick of several independent smaller places that had them showing. It was lovely.

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    3. That's something I miss about NYC - just about the only thing, actually: tiny independent movie theaters.

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  2. That sounds like a great outing. I don't think any theater around here does such a screening.

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    1. You never know. Have a look: http://shorts.tv/theoscarshorts/dates-locations/

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  3. After reading the list, I think I would naturally gravitate towards Me and My Moulton. Sadly, I don't get to see many shorts - but I wish I did!

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    1. Interesting that you are drawn to that one, too. I enjoyed it, just didn't see it as the standout.

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  4. I'd like to see these. I haven't seen them advertised in the theaters I go to.

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    1. Try here: http://shorts.tv/theoscarshorts/dates-locations/

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  5. What a fun new tradition! I didn't even know they showed these in the theater! Interesting to read your thoughts on each! :)
    ~Jess

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    1. This is the 10th anniversary year of the practice. One does wonder why they never thought to do it before that.

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  6. Great tradition - I have not seen any of these little movies.

    My favourite short movie I ever saw (and possibly the only one? hehe) was the Lambert one that was screened before the Lion King. :)

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    1. The Age of the Internet has been a great boon for the short film medium.

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  7. You lucky devil:) There is no way I have the ability to see these so I hope I can view some on Youtube. I love dogs so I can see liking this film. I am with you about downer animated shorts

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    1. If the voters are dog lovers, Feast is a cinch to win.

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  8. I enjoy seeing film shorts, but I usually don't catch many of the Oscar nominees. I used to go see programs of shorts when I was in college since they would have programs of them and they were easily accessible--and free.
    Now when I hear the nominees named off I have no idea what they're talking about.

    Arlee Bird
    A to Z Challenge Co-host
    Tossing It Out

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    1. This is the 10th anniversary year of distributing them to theaters. I think an online pay-per-view option would be the next obvious step.

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  9. I love animated shorts, but don't get to see them much. Maybe I should start seeing if any of the small theaters in my area shows them. Too bad none of these moved you much. Great post.

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    1. They didn't move me but I was still glad to see them. I feel all cultured and what not.

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