The Green Beret

About This Movie

The Green Beret, a short animation from 1992, showcases the early style of Stephen Hillenburg, before SpongeBob took over the world. It has this quirky, off-kilter vibe typical of college animation, where the pacing feels a bit experimental but engaging. The themes revolve around camaraderie and the absurdities of military life, all wrapped in a playful yet slightly surreal atmosphere. The practical effects are minimal but inventive, capturing that raw, student film quality. You can see flashes of Hillenburg's future creativity, but it's also just a snapshot of a time when he was still honing his craft. Not a blockbuster by any means, but interesting for collectors who appreciate the evolution of animation.

Short film produced at CalArts. · Features early animation techniques and humor. · Part of Hillenburg's exploration before SpongeBob.