The Animation Show / Intermission in the Third Dimension / The End of the Show 2003
A trio of witty, offbeat animated shorts by indie filmmaker Don Hertzfeldt, crafted as playful introductions to the first year of The Animation Show's traveling cinema tour.
Director: Don Hertzfeldt
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Animation Show / Intermission in the Third Dimension / The End of the Show (2003) about?
This trio of animated shorts serves as playful bookends for the first year of The Animation Show's theatrical tour. Each segment blends surreal humor with existential musings, following a series of bizarre, self-aware sketches that toy with time, reality, and the very nature of storytelling itself.
Who directed The Animation Show / Intermission in the Third Dimension / The End of the Show?
The animation trifecta was directed by Don Hertzfeldt, the acclaimed indie animator known for his distinctive line work and deadpan comedic style.
Who stars in The Animation Show / Intermission in the Third Dimension / The End of the Show?
The shorts feature the voices of Robert May and Don Hertzfeldt, who bring the minimalist, understated humor to life through their deadpan performances.
Is The Animation Show / Intermission in the Third Dimension / The End of the Show (2003) worth watching?
With its 8-minute runtime packed with absurdist charm, this collection is a delight for fans of offbeat animation and dry humor. While it lacks a traditional narrative, its creative energy and Hertzfeldt's unique voice make it a rewarding watch for those seeking something truly original.
How long is The Animation Show / Intermission in the Third Dimension / The End of the Show?
The entire trilogy runs for 8 minutes.
The Animation Show / Intermission in the Third Dimension / The End of the Show (2003): Quirky Animated Shorts by Don Hertzfeldt — Full Movie Info
A trio of witty, offbeat animated shorts by indie filmmaker Don Hertzfeldt, crafted as playful introductions to the first year of The Animation Show's traveling cinema tour. These three interlinked segments—The Animation Show, Intermission in the Third Dimension, and The End of the Show—blend absurdist humor with deadpan charm, showcasing Hertzfeldt's signature mix of existential musings and off-the-wall visual gags. The surreal narrative unfolds in a kaleidoscope of pencil-drawn worlds, where time bends and reality folds under the weight of ironically cheerful nihilism. Expect fourth-wall breaks, cosmic non sequiturs, and a relentless stream of creative oddities that feel both timeless and distinctly early-2000s.
These bite-sized cartoons are less about plot and more about vibe—a pastiche of classic slapstick and avant-garde experimentation, all wrapped in Hertzfeldt's dry, observational wit. The atmosphere oscillates between nostalgic childhood wonder and the quiet dread of being trapped in an endless loop of your own thoughts. Perfect for fans of off-kilter humor and artistic animation, this 2003 trifecta remains a cult favorite for cinephiles who crave something refreshingly weird in a sea of polished mainstream cartoons.