the BEAT of the week: Oscar-nominated shorts at the Nuart.

Ah, Oscar season is upon us once again. I, admittedly, have some reservations about the nominees among this year's pack, but I still have faith in one category: the shorts.

They're often overlooked and forgotten within the short span of a minute and a half (or however long they give you for a speech), but the quick spurts of passionate cinematic work are usually quite fun and moving. They're perfect for the short attention span. They might even clue you in to filmmakers to watch. And if anything, they'll surely help your Oscar party ballot.

So here's your chance to check them out for yourself! The Nuart will be screening the animated and live-action nominees up to the Oscars themselves. Have a gander and let me know what you think (The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore is quite beautiful, yes?)!

The Oscar Nominated Short Films of 2012 will screen beginning this Friday, Feb. 10 at the Nuart Theatre, located at 11272 Santa Monica Blvd. in West L.A.

-- Chau Tu

Check It. Best Animated Short Film 'Logorama' [The Monday Download].

Although I was the champ of my Oscar pool this year (/bragging), one category I didn't choose correctly in was Best Animated Short Film. This was particularly a shame since the only short I saw in the category and actually loved turned out to be the winner, and that was France's Logorama.

From the outset, Logorama is--to say in the least--attention-grabbing and jarring. Its use of infamous and unmistakable logos and characters is shameless, putting them in unusual, unexpected and often ridiculous circumstances. You can't help but be in awe of not only the creativity behind putting this film together, but also of the sheer volume of brands they were able to cram into 17 minutes. And while you may be distracted by which logo could come popping up onto the screen next, there's still a fun and intriguing (albeit a little crazy) story that brings it all together.

In combining all these elements of an entertaining short story with a fun hook and great animation, Logorama really is a worthy example of what a short film should and can be.

Curious? Lucky for you, the Oscar winner is available online for free:

And if this link gets taken down, you can always visit logorama-themovie.com.

-- Chau Tu

Check It. I'm Here.

Spike Jonze as a filmmaker, artist, Jackass, man, whathaveyou is often a subject of contention; is this guy for real? Is he a genius or a lucky break? Funny or trying too hard? This trailer and subsequent short film seems like it can only further push you in either direction. (I, for one, have been swooning over Jonze for years.)

Bear with me here. What I'm about to show you is pretty weird. The only words I could utter after seeing this the first time (I actually watched it immediately twice in a row) was, 'I'm speechless.' But then I paused, took a deep breath, and smiled. This--whatever it is--is awesome. Don't forget your sense of humor (and try your best to ignore that Absolut Vodka thing).



Yeah, I know. And yes, it's real.

I'm Here premiered at the Sundance Film Festival earlier this week, and will be released in March.

-- Chau Tu

*props to the sprawlster for the tip. Feel free to send your own tips/links/love letters to thebeatofyounglosangeles@gmail.com or in the comments section.

Photo credit: I'm Here