The Cathedral

A computer graphic movie as never made before. Not a very complicated story, no dialogues, but the visual effect is really stunning. Based on Polish science-fiction short story by Jacek Dukaj, it is a masterpiece of computer-generated film art. Therefore, the Academy Award nomination is not a surprise.

After seeing THE CATHEDRAL (KATEDRA), I looked on IMDb for reviews of this Oscar-nominated short and the first one dramatically proclaimed it was "robbed at the Oscars"--implying the winner should not have won. So, that encouraged me to see out the winner (with the bizarre and less than exciting title "THE CHUBBCHUBBS") and I'm convinced that the AMPAS people (the organization giving out the Oscars) did NOT screw up by not giving the award to THE CATHEDRAL. While THE CATHEDRAL was amazing to watch from a visual perspective, it really looked much more like a cut scene from a video game than an actual short film. Whereas the CHUBBCHUBBS was very funny and a complete narrative--with excellent animation, writing, voice acting, etc. Plus, when I dug further, I watched ALL the nominees and found that DAS RAD (another nominee that failed to win) was also much better than THE CATHEDRAL. In fact, for originality, DAS RAD definitely was supreme in this category.

Still, my advice is see them all--and perhaps the other Oscar nominees from the 2003 Oscars. They're lovely little short films--though ATAMA-YAMA might make your brain hurt since it's so very weird.

I agree with all the previous comments - excellent animation etc...-a masterpiece indeed. However I find the plot of the movie at least as fascinating as the visualization. It's about the power of existence and coming to an end - beautiful, magnificent, unavoidable and horrifying, about sacrifices that allow us to last. ....and thousand other interpretations. You may not agree with mine but what can be said without any doubts is that the plot IS NOT LIGHT!

This film is absolutely amazing. This is one of those categorys at the Oscars you don't pay much attention to. When are you ever going to see any of these? Besides, I am hungry so forget this, I am going to the fridge. And I would have this year, had I not seen this truly stunning peace. A friend of mine went to college with the director of this movie. He told me about it and got a copy for me to view. Honestly, it is absolutely stunning and is by far the best computer animation I have ever seen. The thing is a mere 7 minutes long, yet it took more then 3 years to make. A true peace of art. If you can find this anywhere, take the time and enjoy it.

Although perhaps a little light on story, Cathedral is a near-perfect display of computer-generated filmmaking. Rich in lighting effects, computer-designed architecture, and visual invention, the film is just great to watch. As mentioned earlier, the story is a little weak, as the filmmakers chose to tell their story with visuals rather than dialogue. However, because of the fantastic visuals and inventive storytelling techniques, the filmmakers' messages are effectively conveyed. While I don't think this could be the best short film of the year, it is certainly one of the best to look at.