Cool Videos: The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore

Last Updated on August 5, 2021

When I was doing my Oscar picks, something told me to choose THE FANTASTIC FLYING BOOKS OF MR. MORRIS LESSMORE. However, I ended up going with LA LUNA because I am a sucker. Lesson learned: Never bet against books or Meryl Streep.

After watching the Oscar winner for best animated short, I can see why it took home the title. William Joyce and Brandon Oldenburg have managed to steal my heart in a matter of fifteen minutes. The short has found its way online so I’ve decided to share it with you in this “Cool Videos” column before it is taken down.

“Inspired in equal measures, by Hurricane Katrina, Buster Keaton, The Wizard of Oz, and a love for books, “Morris Lessmore” is a story of people who devote their lives to books and books who return the favor. 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 M-G-M Technicolor musicals. “Morris Lessmore” is old-fashioned and cutting edge at the same time.”