Shorts Review: Brain Divided

Ah, love. I’ve always said that the only thing that can make sane people act completely banana sandwich more than religion, is love. I mean come on, Romeo & Juliet are constantly used as examples of true love, and they were both mentally unstable and suicidal.

The clip I have for you today, “Brain Divided,” comes courtesy of Ringling College of Art & Design students Josiah Haworth, Joon Shik Song, and Joon Soo Song. It came out over a year ago, but being the winner of last year’s Cartoon Brew Student Animation Festival and amassing almost 8 million hits on YouTube, it’s definitely worth a watch & a mention.

At first I thought the video would be a little young for BubbleBlabber’s audience. It is reminiscent of a Disney/Pixar production in animation, music, and the general tone – however, as the short progressed, the subject matter, sexual innuendo, and what I can only assume is an obvious Anchorman reference, appeared to be targeting a bit of an older audience.

The plot involves a man on a first date, and the struggle in his mind between the suave & lustful half of his brain, and the kinds, polite, and respectful half. Each side of the brain is represented by a little alien-like creature pushing buttons, pulling levers, and dictating dialogue within his head. As many people can probably relate, the struggle is pretty intense.

I found this five-minute video to be surprisingly entertaining and humorous, laughing out loud several times. It still retains some cuteness and innocent slapstick humor, while including a fair amount of subtle adult humor.

And, for those ladies wondering, this is exactly what every man thinks on a date. Proceed with caution.