Luxo Jr. (1999)

About Luxo Jr.

Luxo Jr. is a pioneering 3D animation film released in 1999, produced by Pixar Animation Studios. The short film, which primarily involves two desk lamps, is revered as a work of sheer genius that introduced a new era of animation.

With no dialogues, the film narrates the story of a playful child lamp, Luxo Jr., who is full of fun-loving spirits. Luxo Jr. finds a ball and starts playing with it until the ball deflates. The story is an adorable take on curiosity and disappointment as faced by Luxo Jr.

Making / Production

The film is made of 3D computer animation, designed and directed by John Lasseter. It was produced at Pixar Animation Studios. The short film marks a significant moment in the history of animation, for it was the first-time 3D animation was used with such strong character and story.

Actors

• Desk Lamp: The main character of the film who does not have any dialogues. It expresses its emotions through its movements.
• Luxo Jr.: The playful child lamp, showing a wide range of emotions, also only through its movements.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• Luxo Jr. was the first film that Pixar made with 3D computer animation.
• It was the first film to use procedural animation (the lamp's behavior), which is a break from conventional key framing.
• The lamp Luxo Jr. went on to become Pixar's mascot and is showcased in all Pixar films' opening sequences.

Awards

Luxo Jr. was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film in 1987, marking the first-ever nomination for any Pixar production.

Quotes

• None. The short film did not contain any dialogues.

Music, Soundtrack

• The film features minimalist music and sound effects to accent the visual narrative. There is no formal soundtrack for Luxo Jr.