Tag: Surrealism
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BRAZIL
Brazil (1985) is a dystopian science fiction film directed by Terry Gilliam and starring Jonathan Pryce, Robert De Niro, Kim Greist, Michael Palin, Ian Holm, and Katherine Helmond. Known for its surrealist visuals, dark humor, and Orwellian themes, the film is a nightmarish yet satirical take on a bureaucratic, totalitarian society. In a bleak, retro-futuristic world dominated…
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SHORT FILM: INAUGURATION OF THE PLEASURE DOME
“Inauguration of the Pleasure Dome” is a short avant-garde film directed by Kenneth Anger in 1954. The film vividly explores mythological, historical, and occult figures engaging in ritualistic and hedonistic ceremonies. Anger drew inspiration from Aleister Crowley’s Thelemic philosophies and a Halloween party-themed “Come as your Madness,” hosted by artist Renate Druks. The film features…
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SHORT FILM: THE FROG (1908)
The Frog (1908), directed by Segundo de Chomón, is a silent, surreal short film that blends early special effects with whimsical storytelling. The film begins with a magician performing a series of tricks in front of an audience. As the magician conjures a variety of objects, one of his creations is a small frog that…
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LA DOLCE VITA aka THE SWEET LIFE
“La Dolce Vita” (1960) is an iconic Italian film directed by Federico Fellini. It is considered one of Fellini’s masterpieces and one of the greatest films in world cinema. The film is a sprawling, episodic exploration of the decadence and disillusionment of post-war Rome, capturing a society in moral decay. Blending drama, satire, and surrealism,…
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PEAU D’ANE aka DONKEYSKIN
“Donkeyskin” (“Peau d’Âne”) is a 1970 French musical fantasy film directed by Jacques Demy. The film is based on the classic fairy tale “Donkeyskin” by Charles Perrault and features a blend of enchanting visuals, whimsical music, and a touch of surrealism. It stars Catherine Deneuve, Jean Marais, and Jacques Perrin. In a far-off kingdom, a…
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DEMENTIA (DAUGHTER OF HORROR)
“Dementia,” a 1955 experimental horror film directed by John Parker, is a nightmarish and surreal journey into the mind of a disturbed young woman, often referred to as “the Gamine.” The film, notable for its lack of dialogue, relies heavily on its eerie visual style and unsettling score by George Antheil to tell the story.…
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EMPEROR TOMATO KETCHUP
“Emperor Tomato Ketchup” is a 1971 experimental film directed by Shuji Terayama. It is known for its avant-garde style and surreal narrative, as well as being somewhat controversial for its depiction and actions played by children. The film is a social commentary that explores themes of power, authority, and rebellion in a dystopian society ruled…
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LOVE AFFAIR, OR THE CASE OF THE MISSING SWITCHBOARD OPERATOR
“Love Affair, or The Case of the Missing Switchboard Operator” is a daring and surreal Yugoslav film directed by the acclaimed filmmaker Dusan Makavejev. Set in the backdrop of 1970s Belgrade, the film explores themes of love, desire, political oppression, and the loss of innocence. The story revolves around Izabela (portrayed by Eva Ras), a…
The Other Cinema 