Canned Performance Poster

Canned Performance 1977

6 min📅 1977-01-01

Dive into the surreal, seven-minute microcosm of *Canned Performance* (1977), a groundbreaking UCLA Student Animation Workshop film preserved by the UCLA Film and Television Archive.

Director: Hoyt Yeatman

Cast

John Plemmons
Desert Traveler

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Canned Performance (1977) about?

The film follows a desert traveler who discovers a Coca-Cola can that unleashes a monstrous creature upon opening it. Combining live-action and stop-motion, the short unfolds as a surreal, absurdist sci-fi adventure filled with unexpected scale and chaos.

Who directed Canned Performance?

Hoyt Yeatman directed *Canned Performance*. Known for his groundbreaking visual effects work on films like *The Fly* (1986) and *Armageddon* (1998), Yeatman brought a masterful touch to this experimental short.

Who stars in Canned Performance?

The cast features John Plemmons as the lone desert traveler in this absurdist sci-fi adventure.

Is Canned Performance (1977) worth watching?

While *Canned Performance* is unrated on IMDb, its unique blend of stop-motion animation and retro sci-fi absurdity makes it a fascinating watch for fans of experimental cinema. Its brevity and surreal charm offer a quick but memorable experience, especially for those who appreciate early animation techniques.

How long is Canned Performance?

The runtime of *Canned Performance* (1977) is 6 minutes.

About Canned Performance (1977) — The 6-Minute Sci-Fi Animation You've Never Seen

Dive into the surreal, seven-minute microcosm of *Canned Performance* (1977), a groundbreaking UCLA Student Animation Workshop film preserved by the UCLA Film and Television Archive. This short masterpiece blends live-action sequences with stop-motion animation, creating an absurdist desert odyssey unlike any other. When a lone traveler stumbles upon a mysterious Coca-Cola can, the unthinkable happens: a towering, Godzilla-esque monster erupts from its depths, escalating a bizarre encounter into a surreal clash of scale and absurdity. Directed by Hoyt Yeatman—a visual effects legend behind *The Fly* (1986) and *Armageddon* (1998)—this experimental gem merges retro sci-fi whimsy with the playful unpredictability of early animation.

Canned Performance (1977) is a fleeting yet unforgettable snapshot of 1970s experimental cinema, where minimal runtime meets maximal creativity. Its mix of practical effects and stop-motion chaos captures a unique moment in film history, offering a quirky, genre-blending adventure that feels both nostalgic and timeless. A cult curiosity for animation and sci-fi enthusiasts alike, this short film proves that even the most unconventional ideas can leave a lasting impression.