Ok, full disclosure, Partly Cloudy is my FAVORITE short. It holds a very special place in my heart. So watch these. For me. And for Peter Sohn. Before he did The Good Dinosaur he made Partly Cloudy and it's beautiful .
The video where you learn the meaning of life is not 42 or hidden in the depths of the Hamilton cast recording, but instead is something you must learn from a jackelope as long as he decides to show up. I think I analyzed that well?
This video covers Boundin's strongest section, which demonstrates how awesome it is when the entire mise-en-scene (a great phrase to learn for cocktail parties) takes on the emotions of a character. It's key to so many films and the artistry is quite lovely in this piece.
Ready to hear a story? Boundin' is a very sweet short that lays the groundwork for some of Pixar's most moving pieces, but it does have some fatal flaws that are really important to learn from before we, you know, start sobbing.
That big beautiful thing that makes you cry every time? Well, I try and explain it.
Right, so I definitely think I was a bit delirious writing that title, but that being said, this outlines just how Presto manages to achieve character development and laughs in a single SHORT. There are plenty of dumb comedies out there I'm sure could take notes (that was mean...I love dumb comedies, but still).
I think this screen shot tells it all:
My entire thesis in an expression.
The gags in Presto are incredible. I know I'm essentially explaining jokes here, but bear with me, it gets good.
Oh my gosh, these eyebrows....they are so important. I wish you could have been there for the giddy dance I did when Sweetland pointed them out in the commentary. Actually, maybe I'm really glad you weren't there...
Right, so I cannot sing Presto's praises enough. Seriously, for all the love I will show Partly Cloudy and Blue Umbrella later on, Presto is sheer brilliance. If you watch any of my videos, check this one out. Also watch it with commentary on the DVD. You don't have to tell anyone (unless its me).
My gift to you is that if you are ever feeling down, at least you now know you are not the man left behind in Lifted. Also this was probably a bad tagline to find solace in while writing the capstone to my academic career.
10 points to Gryffindor if you get the reference in the title. Also, I realized my strange affinity for this alien might also have to do with the fact that I'm not a very good driver. That, or it's just amazing storytelling. Both are probably true.
Not my most clever title, but still I have a huge soft spot for Lifted. The alien is adorable and it's directed by the man who provided the sound effects of my childhood.
I'm not really proud of the side of me revealed in this video.
This outlines the impact of possibly the most overtly sexual Pixar short. Proceed at your own risk!
In terms of irrational stances that came out of my thesis, my vendetta against this silly snowman is possibly my most infamous. That being said, if you want an example of absolutely perfect comedic structure, Knick Knack is amazing.
Comedy was actually the hardest chapter I ended up writing, yet the comedic short is the type of short film the public is most familiar with. So, behold, the fruit of my labors! You know, I did terribly difficult things like watching Who Framed Roger Rabbit...(just to be clear everyone should watch that if they haven't in awhile, its GREAT!)
I was really proud of myself when I wrote that title. I'm still kind of proud of it. If you've been keeping up, this is a summary of all we've been talking about so far. Understanding these films gives you a completely different perspective on the Pixar shorts and Pixar in general. I highly recommend you watch it (not that I'm biased or anything).
Tin Toy has a seriously adorable ending so if you're having a bad day, this is the video for you. It you are having a good day you should watch it too. Also you should watch it if you like film. And short films. And animated short films...
Have you gotten over that opening shot yet? It's totally better than Gravity (just kidding, Gravity is amazing). Anyway, keep going! It gets better!