Luau (1982)
A rare early short from Tim Burton and Jerry Rees, blending surf-movie nostalgia with surrealist comedy.
Luau - Movie Information
- Release Year: 1982
- Directed by: Tim Burton, Jerry Rees
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Comedy
- Runtime: 31m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): April 3, 1982 (United States)
- Production Countries: United States of America
Luau - Plot
A tribute to the surf movies of the early 60's with some touches of visual surrealism.
Where to Watch Luau
Looking for where to watch Luau?
Compare all viewing options available in your region on JustWatch ↗
Luau - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Tim Burton
- Jerry Rees
Main Cast
- Mike Gabriel
- Terrey Hamada
- Susan Frankenberger
- Tim Burton
- Phillip Young
- ben burgess
- Ed Gombert
- Jay Jackson
Writers
- Tim Burton
Producers
- Tim Burton
Luau - FAQs
Who directed the 1982 short film Luau?
Luau was co-directed by Tim Burton and Jerry Rees. The film is notable as one of Tim Burton's earliest directorial efforts, made while he was still working at Walt Disney Productions, and it showcases his distinctive surrealist sensibility even at this early stage of his career.
What is Luau (1982) about?
Luau is a short comedy film that pays homage to the beach and surf movies popular in the early 1960s, infused with touches of visual surrealism. It blends the carefree, sun-soaked aesthetic of that era with the offbeat, darkly playful imagination that would later define Tim Burton's signature directorial style.
Is Luau one of Tim Burton's first films?
Yes, Luau (1982) is considered one of Tim Burton's earliest directorial works, co-directed with Jerry Rees. It was made during his time as an animator at Walt Disney Productions and predates his breakthrough short Vincent (1982), offering a fascinating glimpse into the formative years of his creative vision.
Who are the main actors in Luau?
The cast of Luau includes Mike Gabriel as Bob, Terrey Hamada as Princess Yakamoshi, Susan Frankenberger as Arlene, Tim Burton himself as The Supreme Being and Mortie, Phillip Young as Kahuna, Ed Gombert, ben burgess, and Jay Jackson. Several cast members were fellow Disney animators at the time.
Did Tim Burton act in Luau as well as direct it?
Yes, Tim Burton both co-directed and appeared on screen in Luau, playing the dual roles of The Supreme Being and Mortie. This kind of hands-on, multifaceted involvement was characteristic of the low-budget, collaborative spirit of the project, which was made among colleagues at Walt Disney Productions.
When was Luau released?
Luau was released on April 3, 1982, in the United States. The short film was produced during Tim Burton's early career at Walt Disney Productions and stands as a rare and intriguing artifact from the very beginning of his journey as a filmmaker.
How long is the short film Luau?
Luau has a runtime of 31 minutes, making it a short film rather than a feature-length production. Despite its brief duration, it offers a distinctive blend of early-1960s surf movie nostalgia and the surrealist visual humor that would become a hallmark of Tim Burton's later work.
What are films similar to Luau (1982)?
If you enjoy Luau, you might appreciate other short comedies and early animation-adjacent works such as Solid Serenade (1946), The Golf Specialist (1930), The Blacksmith (1922), and A Mouse in the House (1947). For broader Tim Burton fans, his other early short Vincent (1982) is essential viewing.
More About Luau
Explore further details about Luau on these authoritative resources.