The Sandman

If it hadn't been for MONA LISA DESCENDING THE STAIRS, there's a very strong chance that THE SANDMAN would have won the Oscar for Best Animated Short Film--it was that striking and groundbreaking. Paul Berry created a stop motion world very similar to his later projects such as THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE Christmas and JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH. While the animation is not quite as fluid here in this early film, you can clearly see that it led to these very successful Disney films. Sadly, Barry died at age 40 and his output was quite limited.

So what did I like about this film? Well, the character designs were amazing and the sets had a strange and twisted quality that was both charming and creepy. As for the story, I am probably in the minority here, it was really good up until the surprise ending. I thought it was too creepy and disturbing and knocked the film from a 9 to an 8--this is certainly NOT a film to show to young and impressionable kids. Of course, for an older crowd, they'll probably love the sick finale. Watch it and see for yourself.

This is an exceptional and brilliant film.

I saw "The Sandman" at an animation festival several years ago, and just saw it again. Pretty creepy - and well done - short. Sort of like something that Tim Burton would do. I interpreted it as a look at the fear of going to bed that many children have. And if your opinion is that the final scene was too horrific for children, just remember that animation is simply another type of filmmaking. "The Sandman" shows that animation can be as dark as a typical horror movie.

Director Paul Berry died of a brain tumor in 2001. Too bad. I bet that he would've gone on to make a number of clever shorts just like this one. In the mean time, I recommend it. One of the cleverest shorts out there.

Easy to define it as creepy short animation. Obvious, too easy.

In fact, a smart crafted, scene by scene, story , using memories from our children about monsters under bed, defining the poverty in precise terms, like the darkness fear of child , reminding old fashion shadows in room and , not last, the parent care for his children.

The Sandman is almost a hypnotic presence and the food for its kids symbolic at whole.

In same measure, fists of clues, from drum of boy to clock and the last kiss of mother for her baby and the loneliness in a too large room. And, sure, the moon.

Dark story, admirable crafted, wise used .

The Sandman is every child's nightmare- going to bed with a unknown horror lurking in the shadows. Paul Berry directed this animated screamer, and the characters are Tim Burton-esquire in the design. (Not surprising, as a few years later Paul worked on the Nightmare before Christmas with Tim) The film is very short, clocking in at a mere ten minutes, but it's disturbing enough to play a part in your nightmares. This film may seem to be aimed at children, as a young boy is the main character and it's a animation, but beware against showing it to any child below the age of about ten. Even that might be pushing it, as we watched this film in our Year 8 English class and we were still sufficiently creeped out.

The film starts off happily enough, just before the boy's bedtime. When he makes his way up to his bed, he enters the world of the Sandman.

The trippy '92 animation only adds to the atmosphere and the music is pure genius- a chord sounds every time he takes a step.

Several false alarms lead you to believe that maybe all is well and the Sandman will not be visiting that night. Unfortunately, not all stories have a happy ending.

A slight criticism- was it really necessary for the Sandman to dance? And the weird elbow thing- it made it more laughable which didn't set in with the mood of the film.

Therefore, I give this film 9/10.

I first saw The Sandman during a screening of numerous short films from around the world on TV one night.

Haunting music introduces us to a shot of the moon, and a house, where a young boy is being sent to bed by his mother. The unique animation and direction captures the small child's fear as he walks up the creaky stairs and runs hurriedly down the corridor into his room.

The Sandman appears at the bottom of the stairs, a lanky figure with a huge, crooked head - not scary so much as BLOODY SPOOKY!

As the child is more and more frightened by the noises inside and outside his room, we see the Sandman approach, closer and closer until...

An amazingly captivating film which has great animation, direction and music - one of the most memorable and "effective" short films you will ever see - extremely sharp and shocking...

Wait 'til you see the end!