Mr Hublot (2013)/The Magic Pear Tree (1968)

In a steampunk designed world, Mr Hublot‘s orderly existence is disrupted by the sudden appearance of a homeless dog into his life. The animation style is similar to other Oscar nominated ones from this era, computer animation in muted tones. Luckily the turns in the short story and the characters have a real sweetness to them, especially, I imagine, for animal lovers, which make it stand out. 

Similar to the peculiar 1971 animated short winner The Crunch Bird, the entire premise for The Magic Pear Tree is just a set-up for a singular not very funny joke. A handsome guest travels to his friend’s castle and goes through an elaborate ruse in order to get with his friend’s wife. Late 1960s-early 1970s film is already one of my least favorite eras of films and these shorts don’t go far to improve that impression.

Oscar Winner: Best Short Film, Animated (Mr Hublot)

Oscar Nomination: Best Short Subject, Cartoons (The Magic Pear Tree)