Presto by Doug Sweetland: A Hilarious and Magical Animated Short
Summary: In the animated short film Presto, directed by Doug Sweetland, a hungry rabbit named Alec Azam seeks revenge on his magician owner, Presto DiGiotagione, after being denied his carrot treat. Chaos ensues as Presto tries to perform his magic act while Alec Azam sabotages him at every turn.
Main Cast and Crew:
- Director: Doug Sweetland
- Writer: Doug Sweetland
- Voice Cast: Doug Sweetland as Presto DiGiotagione
- Music Director: Scot Stafford
- Director of Photography: Jeremy Lasky
- Producers: Richard Hollander, John Lasseter
Plot:
In Presto, the magician Presto DiGiotagione is about to perform his magic act on stage. However, he forgets to feed his rabbit, Alec Azam, his beloved carrot. As Presto tries to start his act, Alec Azam rebels and refuses to cooperate. The mischievous rabbit takes advantage of Presto’s desperation by using his magical hat to transport Presto’s hand into different dangerous situations.
Presto struggles to regain control of his act while dealing with the consequences of Alec Azam’s actions. The chaos escalates as Presto’s hand encounters a hungry saw, a boiling pot of water, and even a guillotine. With each mishap, the audience erupts in laughter, unaware of the danger Presto faces.
As the situation becomes increasingly dire, Presto realizes he must make amends with Alec Azam to save himself. He offers the rabbit a carrot, and Alec Azam finally relents, allowing Presto to complete his act successfully. The audience applauds, and Presto and Alec Azam share a triumphant moment on stage.
Themes and Motifs:
Presto explores themes of friendship, trust, and the consequences of selfishness. The film highlights the importance of treating animals with kindness and respect, as Presto’s neglect of Alec Azam leads to chaos and danger. The motif of magic and illusion is also prevalent throughout the film, emphasizing the power of imagination and the unexpected twists that can occur in life.
Reception and Legacy:
Upon its release, Presto received critical acclaim for its clever storytelling, comedic timing, and stunning animation. It was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film in 2009, showcasing its impact and recognition within the industry.
The film’s legacy lies in its ability to entertain audiences of all ages with its fast-paced humor and visual gags. It serves as a testament to the talent and creativity of director Doug Sweetland and the Pixar Animation Studios team.
Recommendation:
Presto is a delightful and entertaining animated short that will leave viewers laughing and amazed. With its charming characters, clever plot, and impeccable animation, it is a must-watch for animation enthusiasts and fans of family-friendly comedy. Whether you’re a child or an adult, Presto guarantees a magical and hilarious experience.
Memorable Quote:
“Alec Azam, you’ve made a monkey out of me!” – Presto DiGiotagione
