Bunny (1998)

Director:

Chris Wedge

Writer:

Chris Wedge (writer)

Genre:

Animation | Short | Comedy | Family | Fantasy

Plot:

A tattered old bunny baking in his kitchen is pestered by an equally tattered old moth.

Plot Keywords:

Moth | Kitchen | Baking | Oven | Porch

Awards:

Won Oscar. Another 3 wins & 1 nomination

Runtime:

7 min

Country:

USA

Language:

None

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Certification:

Germany:o.Al. | UK:U | USA:Unrated | Argentina:Unrated

Company:

Blue Sky Studios

Movie Connections:

Edited into Spike & Mike's Classic Festival of Animation 1999 (1999)

Soundtrack:

Bend Down the Branches

A computer animated short of sound perfection.

A great animated piece is one that satisfies the basic elements of story, art, and sound emotion; but a true masterpiece transcends these essentials and brings forth the artistry of humanity. Such is the case of Chris Wedge's (Blue Sky Studios) "Bunny." Through stunning visuals and a heart-warming story of an anthropormorphic metamorphosis, "Bunny" is a flawless example of genuine animation. Although the story will most likely be misunderstood by children, it will bring a smile to their face none the less. I was touched by Chris' animated piece and I find it so rare to find an short (especially one that is only 7 minutes long) that brings such strong convictions.

Baking alone in her weathered house, hearing only the sounds of the lonely night, "Bunny" receives an unexpected visitor: a nocturnal pest. Searching for the light in such an unachievable manner, a single moth clinks and clanks upon "Bunny's" fixtures. The old ragged "Bunny" persistently tries to remove the hairy moth, but to no avail, the moth is slow to quit on its mission. Through anger and fury brings raw and nostalgic yearnings; her past is awakened while rays of light cover the darkness. Through fantasy and hope, "Bunny's" life is finally fulfilled.

Computer animation is a timely medium. The style and appearance of the film gradually surpasses its predecessor with the rate of technology. Only the story is set in stone. This aside, Chris Wedge and Blue Sky Studios have made the most visually stunning piece of animated film to date. Utilizing the latest in CGI technology and a technique called "radiosity" which replicates light in its most purest form, "Bunny" exhibits a sense of realism that has never been captured until now. The most subtle details are committed to precise accuracy: the fur on "Bunny's" body, the shadows and glares upon glass, and the camera selections and movements all contribute to its excellence.

"Bunny" won my heart over as it would do to any individual. It has proved to be one of the greatest computer animated shorts in all aspects of the medium in recent history.