Phantom Museums: The Short Films of the Quay Brothers
by Quay Brothers
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DVD Cover Information
Director: Quay BrothersBrand: Zeitgeist Films
DVD: Region Code 1
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language)
Format: Black & White, Color, DVD, NTSC, Original recording remastered, Widescreen
Picture Format: 1.77:1
Running Time: 261 minutes
DVD Release Date: 2007-04-24
Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: Zeitgeist Films
Movie Reviews of Phantom Museums: The Short Films of the Quay Brothers
Movie Review: Hypnotic and Surreal
Summary: 5 Stars
I found this collection of the Quay brothers' short films to be immensely entertaining, though paradoxically they had a tendency to lull me to sleep. I think the reason is that they resonate with the deeper layers of the mind on such a dreamlike level that one is almost hypnotized by them. I can only say that I had to make several attempts to get completely through them without succumbing. I would find the imagery and music of the films transitioning into a dream and wake up looking at the dvd menu. Rather than being put to sleep by boredom, it was more as though the material of the film was forming a symbiotic relationship with my subconscious.
These interesting and mildly alarming effects of the film are attributable to surreal and suggestive characteristics which bypass the surface rationality of the mind and make a direct connection to that deeper stratum which is beyond the jurisdiction of rationality. The use of puppets and other strange conglomerations of material, which seem to be composed of inanimate objects that, nevertheless, give off uncanny impressions of bizarre life, are a perfect medium for conveying these strange fancies.
The films were conceived as art and meant to be taken seriously, and may lack the popular appeal which some might expect from an entertainment utilizing puppets. That two of their efforts have been based on the literary works of Bruno Shulz and Robert Walser shows the seriousness of their intent. An extremely important part of these works is the music, which in each case is so apropos to the imagery that it can only be called integral to the success of the piece as a whole.
There is a dark tone to all these works, which runs to the sinister in some, such as the piece symbolizing the epic of Gilgamesh. There was only one segment which I didn't care for, titled "In Absentia", with a depiction or strong suggestion of demon possession of a mental patient, which I found to be too unsettling for me to appreciate.
I suspect that this sort of entertainment might appeal most to people who are artistically inclined or strongly drawn to artistically oriented activity. However, I wouldn't classify myself that way, and I derived a great deal of stimulation and enjoyment from watching these films. In fact, I'm sure I could be a repeat watcher, because I don't believe you can exhaust the possibilities of them in one viewing. I also enjoyed the extra features, which included interviews with the Quays. Their commentary on the films was quite enlightening because they discuss essentials, unlike some commentary tracks where people ramble on about trivialities.
I would recommend this collection to those who are interested in experimental films with an artistic tendency.
Summary of Phantom Museums: The Short Films of the Quay Brothers
Two of the world?s most original filmmakers, identical twins Stephen and Timothy Quay have been creating their unique blend of puppetry and stop-motion animation for nearly 30 years and have spawned an enormous cult following. The Quays display a passion for detail, a breathtaking command of color and texture, and an uncanny use of focus and camera movement that make their films unique and instantly recognizable. Best known for their classic 1986 film STREET OF CROCODILES -- which filmmaker Terry Gilliam recently selected as one of the ten best animated films of all time -- they are masters of miniaturization and on their tiny sets have created an unforgettable world, suggestive of a landscape of long-repressed childhood dreams. This new two-disc set contains thirteen of their classic short films?some never-before-available on DVD?in brand-new, restored and remastered editions (personally supervised by the Quays), plus a collection of "footnotes" including new audio commentaries, extensive interviews, alternative versions, unrealized pilot projects and more. PHANTOM MUSEUMS: THE SHORT FILMS OF THE QUAY BROTHERS also features a 24-page, gorgeously illustrated booklet, including an extensive Quay Dictionary and a new essay by film critic Michael Atkinson.Similar DVD Movies
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