The Fantastic Flying Books of Morris Lessmore
I discovered this through (I think) my pal Brannon McAllister, co-founder of the now-defunct Portland Studios (click here for a bittersweet farewell painting by our friend Justin Gerard). I was lamenting the absence of Portland’s wonder-inspiring internet presence, and he pointed me to Moonbot Studios.
I don’t know much about them other than that they’re based in Louisiana and they produced this beautiful animated short film about stories–sort of. At the very least, it’s for anyone who’s ever suspected that books were magical. I immediately bought the film for a few bucks on iTunes, but I recently discovered it on Vimeo for your free viewing pleasure. There are worse ways you could spend fifteen minutes today.
It was a delight to learn just a few days ago that it’s been nominated for an Academy Award. (Congratulations, Moonbots.) And besides, won’t it be nice to seem so very in-the-know when you’re watching the Oscars with your friends and you can mention offhand that you’ve actually seen one of the short films?
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23 Comments
27 days ago
I’ve been looking for this since last year when you first showed it to me. It’s even better than I remembered. Good grief!
27 days ago
I spent a few dollars on the v. excellent Morris Lessmore iPad app “for my son.” We stayed up well past his bedtime reading the book and then watching the movie, hiding under the covers so my wife wouldn’t come in and tell Jack to go to sleep. For 30 minutes, I was a boy again. Simply magical.
27 days ago
Fantastic! I hope they win.
27 days ago
The Moonbot studio is here in Shreveport and is the work of William Joyce (illustrated Rollie Polly Ollie). I just downloaded for FREE on iTunes can’t wait to watch it this weekend. Thanks AP!
27 days ago
“The many and varied points of view I have encountered do not confuse but enrich.”
SUCH a good use of 15 minutes. Bless the Rabbit Room for being such a great place to drop into for a coffee break.
26 days ago
We are so excited about this Oscar nod in our own backyard! I think I’ll make Red Beans and Rice or Jambalaya to cheer for them Oscar night. Thanks for posting AP!
26 days ago
We enjoyed this very much as a family. Thank you for posting it. How did this get nominated for an Oscar? I guess they slip a good one past the goalie ever once’t inna while.
25 days ago
This was beautiful. Thanks for sharing. How does the app work?
25 days ago
What a sweet short film! BOOKS! Haven’t seen any of the other AA nominees, but I hope this wins.
This is the first I’ve heard that Portland Studios is disbanded. It’s always sad to me, coming to the end of something good.
Also, that farewell painting is phenominal, as always. Way to go, JG.
25 days ago
Wonderful, beautifully told story. Love how they told the story and put you in it. Enjoyed it very much!
25 days ago
The iPad app is pretty great as well. A good way to support the art of storytelling.
24 days ago
Morris Lessmore! What a fantastic name! I wish I’d thought of it.
24 days ago
Beautiful.
It sort of reminded me of the Tolkien short story “Leaf by Niggle”, although it deals with art rather than books. I’ll have to dig that out and re-read it.
24 days ago
Another Shreveporter here… I love what Moonbot is doing. Bill Joyce is such an awesome gift to our community.
I’ll second Michael’s recommendation of the iPad app! Very cool…
24 days ago
[...] think I’ll go write the story that’s been brewing in me for years.How about you?[HT: The Rabbit Room] About Eric Dye: I believe in media that matters. I have produced radio for over 15 years, [...]
24 days ago
I am from Shreveport, Louisiana and I was blessed to see the art exhibit of all the maquettes and art work as this wonderful short film progressed. And, it is a beautiful homage to the great silent film star, Buster Keaton. Thanks for posting this. The world needs to watch this film and read more of the works of Bill Joyce.
24 days ago
Great video! thanks for passing it along
23 days ago
Thank-you. That was beautiful. It inspires me both to keep reading and to keep writing.
(My next project: The Spectacular Sailing E-Readers of Isadore Closing.)
23 days ago
Oh wow. I don’t think I’ve “gotten” it all yet, but wow. That moved me, and I’m still figuring out where.
22 days ago
Thanks for posting this beautiful film! My favorite moment, I think, is the expression on the main character’s face when he looks up at the Humpty Dumpty book that’s sitting on the fence. Perfect.
As Michael mentioned (above) it’s free on iTunes now, too.
21 days ago
Wow.
(Please excuse my lack of sufficient verbiage. That’s all I can think to say.)
21 days ago
I have spent much more than 15 minutes on this film, as I keep re-watching it.
I found myself in wide-eyed wonder whispering “I knew it!”–that the books/characters/lands/adventures I love ARE alive and real.
17 days ago
Thanks for sharing this Andrew! I love it! The story, the animation, the music… I love all the variations on the theme of Pop Goes the Weasel! So well written. Who woulda thunk?
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