The 57th Academy Awards held in 1985 presented an exceptional lineup of Short Film nominees that showcased the power of storytelling in its most concise form. From captivating animations to thought-provoking documentaries and gripping live-action dramas, the 1985 Oscars Short Film category celebrated the best and brightest emerging talents in the film industry.
Each film offered a unique perspective on the world, showcasing exceptional creativity, technical mastery, and the ability to evoke profound emotions within a limited runtime. In this article, we will delve into the Best Short Film nominees of the 57th Academy Awards and explore what made each of them stand out in their respective categories.
These remarkable works exemplify the incredible potential of short films to captivate audiences, provoke thought, and leave a lasting impact. Join us as we celebrate the artistry and storytelling brilliance of the filmmakers who made their mark on the world of cinema in 1985.
Animated Short Films
Charade
Charade is a 1984 animated film directed by John Minnis. The film tells the story of a talented but unlucky gentleman who competes in a game of charades against a savant who puts no effort into the game, yet the audience still gets his answers right. The film explores themes of talent, luck, and the fickleness of audiences.
The film’s style and cinematography contribute to the storytelling by using a mix of bright colors and exaggerated character designs to create a sense of whimsy and playfulness. The use of close-ups and quick cuts adds to the film’s impact by creating a sense of the rapid-fire nature of the charades game. The film’s use of music and sound effects also adds to its impact, creating a sense of excitement and anticipation for the competition.
One of the most memorable scenes in the film is when the savant effortlessly guesses the correct answer to a charade, highlighting the fickleness of audiences and the importance of talent versus luck. Another standout moment is when the gentleman begins to doubt his own abilities, highlighting the importance of self-confidence and perseverance.
Overall, Charade is a lighthearted and entertaining film that explores themes of talent, luck, and the fickleness of audiences. The film’s style and cinematography add to its impact by creating a sense of whimsy and playfulness.
While the film may be geared toward those interested in animation and comedy, it is a film that will resonate with anyone who appreciates stories about the human experience and the importance of self-confidence and perseverance. I recommend this film to anyone who is looking for a lighthearted and entertaining animated film.
Doctor DeSoto
Doctor DeSoto is a charming animated short film that was directed by Morton Schindel and Michael Sporn in 1984. The film is based on the book by William Steig and tells the story of a mouse dentist named Doctor DeSoto who agrees to treat a fox’s toothache despite the potential danger.
The main characters in the film are Doctor DeSoto and his wife, who are both mice, and a cunning fox who needs dental work. Doctor DeSoto is a skilled dentist who takes pride in his work and is known for his ability to treat animals of all sizes. Despite his wife’s warnings, he agrees to treat the fox’s toothache, and the two mice must use their wits to avoid becoming the fox’s lunch.
The animation style in Doctor DeSoto is simple yet effective. The characters are drawn in a whimsical style that is reminiscent of classic children’s books, and the colors are bright and cheerful. The animation style contributes to the storytelling by creating a lighthearted and playful atmosphere that is perfect for a children’s story.
One of the most memorable scenes in the film is when Doctor DeSoto and his wife use a pulley system to lift the fox’s mouth open so they can work on his tooth. This scene is both funny and suspenseful, as the viewer wonders if the fox will catch on to their plan.
Overall, Doctor DeSoto is a delightful animated short that is perfect for children and adults alike. The film’s message about using your intelligence to overcome obstacles is both entertaining and educational. I highly recommend this film to anyone who enjoys classic children’s stories and whimsical animation.
Paradise
Paradise is a 1984 animated film directed by Stuart Gillard. The film tells the story of two teenagers, David and Sarah, who flee across the desert after their caravan is attacked and their families are butchered by Arab marauders. The film explores themes of survival, resilience, and the power of human connection.
The film’s style and cinematography contribute to the storytelling by using a mix of naturalistic lighting and framing to create a sense of the harsh desert environment and the emotional states of the characters. The use of close-ups and medium shots adds to the film’s impact by creating a sense of the emotional weight of the subject matter. The film’s use of music and sound effects also adds to its emotional impact, creating a sense of the danger and uncertainty of the desert.
One of the most memorable scenes in the film is when David and Sarah encounter a group of Bedouin nomads, highlighting the importance of human connection and the potential for growth and change in human relationships. Another standout moment is when the teenagers are pursued by a pack of wild dogs, highlighting the danger and unpredictability of the desert environment.
Overall, Paradise is a powerful and emotionally charged film that explores themes of survival, resilience, and the power of human connection. The film’s style and cinematography add to its impact by creating a sense of the harsh desert environment and the emotional weight of the subject matter.
While the film may be geared toward those interested in animation and coming-of-age stories, it is a film that will resonate with anyone who appreciates stories about the human experience and the importance of resilience and human connection. I highly recommend this film to anyone who is looking for a thought-provoking and emotionally charged animated film.
Live Action Short Films
Up
Up is a 1984 live-action film directed by Mike Hoover and Tim Huntley. The film tells the story of a man who sets a hawk free and then tries to find it in the wild on his hang glider. The film explores themes of freedom, adventure, and the bond between humans and animals.
The film’s style and cinematography contribute to the storytelling by using a mix of stunning aerial shots and naturalistic lighting to create a sense of the beauty and majesty of the natural world. The use of close-ups and medium shots adds to the film’s impact by creating a sense of the emotional connection between the man and the hawk. The film’s use of music and sound effects also adds to its emotional impact, creating a sense of the thrill and excitement of the adventure.
One of the most memorable scenes in the film is when the man sets the hawk free, highlighting the importance of freedom and the bond between humans and animals. Another standout moment is when the man and the hawk fly together on the hang glider, highlighting the beauty and majesty of the natural world.
Overall, Up is a visually stunning and emotionally charged film that explores themes of freedom, adventure, and the bond between humans and animals. The film’s style and cinematography add to its impact by creating a sense of the beauty and majesty of the natural world.
While the film may be geared towards those interested in adventure and the natural world, it is a film that will resonate with anyone who appreciates stories about the human experience and the importance of freedom and human-animal relationships. I highly recommend this film to anyone who is looking for a visually stunning and emotionally charged live-action film.
The Painted Door
The Painted Door is a 1984 live-action film directed by Bruce Pittman. The film tells the story of a wife left alone on a cold winter’s night on the prairie by her husband, who has gone out into the storm. The film explores themes of loneliness, desire, and the consequences of choices.
The film’s style and cinematography contribute to the storytelling by using a mix of naturalistic lighting and framing to create a sense of the starkness and isolation of the prairie landscape. The use of close-ups and medium shots adds to the film’s impact by creating a sense of the emotional weight of the subject matter. The film’s use of music and sound effects also adds to its emotional impact, creating a sense of the tension and drama of the situation.
One of the most memorable scenes in the film is when the wife is visited by her husband’s friend, highlighting the complexity of human relationships and the potential for desire and betrayal. Another standout moment is when the husband returns home, highlighting the consequences of his choices and the impact they have on his wife.
Overall, The Painted Door is a powerful and emotionally charged film that explores themes of loneliness, desire, and the consequences of choices. The film’s style and cinematography add to its impact by creating a sense of the starkness and isolation of the prairie landscape.
While the film may be geared toward those interested in drama and the human experience, it is a film that will resonate with anyone who appreciates stories about the complexity of human relationships and the consequences of our actions. I highly recommend this film to anyone who is looking for a thought-provoking and emotionally charged live-action film.
Tales of Meeting and Parting
Tales of Meeting and Parting is a 1985 live-action film directed by Lesli Linka Glatter. The film tells the story of an elderly Japanese man who recalls his experiences as a young interpreter during a particularly brutal prisoner-of-war interrogation. The film explores themes of memory, trauma, and the impact of war on individuals.
The film’s style and cinematography contribute to the storytelling by using a mix of naturalistic lighting and framing to create a sense of the emotional weight of the subject matter. The use of close-ups and medium shots adds to the film’s impact by creating a sense of the emotional connection between the characters and the impact of the traumatic events. The film’s use of music and sound effects also adds to its emotional impact, creating a sense of the tension and drama of the situation.
One of the most memorable scenes in the film is when the elderly man recalls the brutal interrogation, highlighting the trauma and impact of war on individuals. Another standout moment is when the elderly man meets with a former prisoner of war, highlighting the potential for healing and reconciliation.
Overall, Tales of Meeting and Parting is a powerful and emotionally charged film that explores themes of memory, trauma, and the impact of war on individuals. The film’s style and cinematography add to its impact by creating a sense of the emotional weight of the subject matter.
While the film may be geared toward those interested in drama and the impact of war, it is a film that will resonate with anyone who appreciates stories about the human experience and the potential for healing and reconciliation. I highly recommend this film to anyone who is looking for a thought-provoking and emotionally charged live-action film.
Documentary Short Films
The Stone Carvers
The Stone Carvers, a 1984 documentary directed by Marjorie Hunt and Paul Wagner, is a beautiful and moving exploration of the lives and work of a group of stone carvers in Washington, D.C. The film provides a fascinating glimpse into the artistry and craftsmanship that goes into creating some of the most iconic monuments and buildings in the United States.
At the heart of the film are the stone carvers themselves, a group of highly skilled and dedicated artists who work tirelessly to create beautiful and enduring works of art. Through interviews and footage of them at work, we come to know these men and women as individuals with unique stories and perspectives, each with a deep passion for their craft.
The film’s visual style is both intimate and grand, capturing both the intricate details of the carving process and the sweeping majesty of the monuments and buildings that the carvers help to create. The cinematography is particularly striking, with stunning shots of the National Cathedral and other iconic structures that showcase the beauty and grandeur of the stone carvers’ work.
One of the most powerful scenes in the film shows the carvers at work on the National Cathedral, painstakingly carving intricate designs and figures into the stone. The camera captures the intense concentration and physical labor involved in the process, as well as the deep sense of pride and accomplishment that the carvers feel when they see their work taking shape.
Overall, The Stone Carvers is a truly remarkable film that offers a unique and compelling look at the artistry and craftsmanship that goes into creating some of America’s most iconic structures. I highly recommend this film to anyone interested in art, architecture, or the history of the United States. Its audience is those who appreciate the beauty of craftsmanship and the dedication it takes to create something truly remarkable.
The Children of Soong Ching Ling
The Children of Soong Ching Ling is a poignant and inspiring documentary film directed by Gary Bush and Paul T.K. Lin. The film explores the life and legacy of Soong Ching Ling, a prominent political figure in China who dedicated her life to promoting education, culture, and peace. Through interviews with her family, friends, and colleagues, as well as archival footage and photographs, the film tells the story of a remarkable woman who played a significant role in China’s modern history.
One of the strengths of The Children of Soong Ching Ling is its visual style. The film features stunning cinematography that captures the beauty of China’s landscapes and architecture, as well as the emotions of the people being interviewed. The use of archival footage and photographs also adds depth and texture to the storytelling, allowing the audience to see Soong Ching Ling in action and understand her impact on China and the world.
The film’s main characters are the people who knew and loved Soong Ching Ling. These include her family members, such as her niece Soong May-ling, who was married to Chiang Kai-shek, as well as her colleagues and friends, such as the writer Pearl S. Buck. Through their stories and recollections, we gain a sense of who Soong Ching Ling was and what she stood for. We also see how her legacy continues to inspire people today.
There are several scenes and moments in The Children of Soong Ching Ling that stood out to me. One is the footage of Soong Ching Ling meeting with Mao Zedong, which highlights her commitment to bridging the gap between the Nationalist and Communist parties in China. Another is the interview with Soong May-ling, who speaks candidly about her relationship with her aunt and the challenges they faced during a turbulent period in China’s history.
Overall, The Children of Soong Ching Ling is a powerful and moving documentary that offers a unique perspective on China’s modern history. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in politics, culture, and social justice. While the film may appeal to a broad audience, I think it would be particularly relevant to those who are interested in the role of women in politics and the impact of political turmoil on individuals and families.
Code Gray: Ethical Dilemmas in Nursing
Code Gray: Ethical Dilemmas in Nursing, directed by Ben Achtenberg and Joan Sawyer, is a 1984 documentary that explores the complex ethical issues faced by nurses working in American hospitals. The film provides an in-depth look at the daily struggles and ethical dilemmas that nurses face, as they strive to provide the best possible care for their patients while navigating a complex healthcare system.
The film’s main subjects are several nurses working in different hospitals across the United States. We see them grappling with issues such as patient confidentiality, informed consent, and end-of-life care. Through their stories, we are given an intimate glimpse into the world of nursing, and the difficult decisions that nurses must make on a daily basis.
The film’s visual style is simple and straightforward, with a focus on the nurses and their stories. The filmmakers use a combination of talking head interviews and observational footage to tell their story. The camera lingers on the faces of the nurses, capturing their emotions and reactions as they recount their experiences. This simple approach allows the stories of the nurses to take center stage, without any distracting visual flourishes.
The film’s style and cinematography contribute to the storytelling by creating an intimate and emotional connection between the viewer and the nurses. We see the nurses in their daily work, caring for patients and making difficult decisions. The camera captures their emotions and reactions, allowing us to empathize with them on a personal level. This emotional connection makes the ethical issues that they face all the more compelling, and the film’s message all the more powerful.
One scene that stood out to me was when a nurse discusses the difficult decision she had to make regarding a patient’s end-of-life care. She recounts the emotional toll that the decision took on her and the inner turmoil she felt as she struggled to balance the patient’s wishes with her duty as a nurse. It was a poignant moment that highlighted the difficult decisions that nurses must make, and the emotional toll that these decisions can take.
Overall, Code Gray: Ethical Dilemmas in Nursing is a powerful and thought-provoking documentary that is sure to resonate with anyone who has ever worked in healthcare. The film offers a rare glimpse into the world of nursing, and the difficult ethical issues that nurses face on a daily basis.
I would highly recommend this film to anyone interested in healthcare, nursing, or ethics. It is a must-see for anyone who wants to gain a deeper understanding of the complex issues facing healthcare professionals today.
The Garden of Eden
Garden of Eden is a 1984 documentary film directed by Roger M. Sherman. The film posits that in the next 30 years, 20% of all forms of life will cease to exist and argues that it can be good business to save the environment. The film explores the importance of preserving the environment and the potential benefits of doing so.
The film’s style and cinematography contribute to the storytelling by using a mix of naturalistic lighting and framing to create a sense of the beauty and majesty of the natural world. The use of close-ups and medium shots adds to the film’s impact by creating a sense of the emotional connection between the subjects and the impact of environmental destruction. The film’s use of music and sound effects also adds to its emotional impact, creating a sense of the urgency and importance of the subject matter.
One of the most memorable scenes in the film is when the film highlights the potential benefits of preserving the environment, highlighting the importance of preserving the natural world for future generations. Another standout moment is when the film showcases the beauty and majesty of the natural world, highlighting the importance of preserving the environment for its own sake.
Overall, Garden of Eden is a visually stunning and emotionally charged documentary that explores the importance of preserving the environment and the potential benefits of doing so. The film’s style and cinematography add to its impact by creating a sense of the beauty and majesty of the natural world.
While the film may be geared toward those interested in the environment and conservation, it is a film that will resonate with anyone who appreciates stories about the human experience and the importance of preserving the natural world. I highly recommend this film to anyone who is looking for a thought-provoking and visually stunning documentary.
Recollections of Pavlovsk
Recollections of Pavlovsk is a 1984 documentary directed by Irina Kalinina that takes a closer look at the Pavlovsk Palace, a historic site in St. Petersburg, Russia. The film explores the palace’s past, present, and future through interviews with the staff, historians, and architects who have been involved in its preservation.
One of the main subjects of the film is the palace’s head curator, Tatiana Kuznetsova. She is a passionate and knowledgeable advocate for the preservation of the palace and its contents, and her dedication to her work is evident throughout the film. Other key figures in the film include the architects who have been involved in restoring the palace, as well as historians who provide context for the palace’s place in Russian history.
The visual style of Recollections of Pavlovsk is understated and elegant, much like the palace itself. The camera lingers on the details of the palace’s architecture and furnishings, and the film’s pacing is deliberate and contemplative. The use of archival footage and photographs adds depth and context to the story being told.
The film’s style and cinematography contribute to the storytelling by allowing the viewer to fully appreciate the beauty and historical significance of the Pavlovsk Palace. The filmmakers clearly have a deep respect for the palace and its history, and their reverence is evident in every frame of the film.
One scene that stood out to me was when Tatiana Kuznetsova is showing a group of visitors around the palace and explaining the various restoration projects that have been undertaken. Her passion for the palace is infectious, and it’s clear that she has a deep love for the building and its history.
Overall, I was very impressed by Recollections of Pavlovsk. The film is a beautiful tribute to a historic site that is often overlooked in favor of more well-known landmarks in St. Petersburg. I would recommend this film to anyone who is interested in Russian history, architecture, or preservation. It would also be a great choice for anyone who simply enjoys beautiful cinematography and a well-told story.
1985 Oscar Short Film Winners
Animated – Charade
Live Action – Up
Documentary – The Stone Carvers
