Pixar's first Oscar nominated short film is also their first classic. John Lasseter was learning how to make CG models and decided to take inspiration from the architect's lamp on his desk. Still impressive for its detail, the early CG animation holds up very well. However, as what would become a staple of the Pixar way of making films, it's all about character.
The story is simple — Luxo Jr. is a young lamp who is learning to play with a rubber ball with his father. Lasseter is able to create amazing amounts of personality in his two inanimate stars. Luxo Jr. is an energetic and precocious little guy. He's full of curiosity like many young children are. His father is calm and patient. Like a good parent, he is tired by the boundless energy of his kid, but encouraging and sympathetic.
In only two years, Lasseter and the other Pixar artists made huge strides in CG animation. The models, movement and lighting are a huge improvement over their first computer animated short, THE ADVENTURES OF ANDRE & WALLY B. The animation is what makes this film so memorable. The key to successful animation is the illusion of life (as was the title of Disney animators Frank Thomas and Ollie Johnston's book). Lasseter does this with such heart in LUXO JR. The fact that he accomplishes this with two desk lamps, which have not eyes or limbs makes it all the more impressive. This film is a landmark film not only in animation history, but film history as well.
Rick DeMott
Animation World Network
Creator of Rick's Flicks Picks
