Sir, Is This Real: Surrealism In Film
I recently went to see the new film "Beau Is Afraid" by acclaimed horror director Ari Aster. Based on the trailer and some leaked behind-the-scenes photos during production, I knew this was not going to be his typical style of horror. In his debut, he crafted what I think may be the greatest horror film ever made (at least it was so horrifying I swore never to watch it again) with "Hereditary," and then followed it up with "Midsommar." Both "Hereditary" and "Midsommar" have moments of surrealism, but nothing compared to "Beau Is Afraid." It's an absurdist and surrealistic anxiety attack of a movie.
When it comes to Surrealism, most of us think of the paintings of Salvador Dali, but how is surrealism used in film? It's the idea that the medium can be used to represent the inner workings of the human mind. By using dreamlike imagery and non-linear storytelling, surrealism allows filmmakers to create a visual representation of the unconscious mind and its hidden desires, fears, and anxieties. While Surrealism is not my favorite approach to filmmaking, I do think it has helped develop and evolve storytelling in the medium.
After watching “Beau Is Afraid” It had me thinking, if there were a "Mount Rushmore" of Surrealistic Directors, who would be on there? I wanted to take the time in this blog to look into three directors who I believe would be up there: Luis Buñuel, Federico Fellini, and David Lynch.
Credit: A24
Credit: Producciones Gustavo Alatriste, Greenwich Film Productions, & Five Film
Luis Buñuel was a Spanish filmmaker known for his surrealist approach to cinema and for being best friends with Salvador Dali. His films challenged societal norms and conventions, and explored the irrational and subconscious aspects of the human experience. Buñuel's work was controversial and often met with censorship, but it also influenced a generation of filmmakers and artists who were drawn to his unique vision.
My introduction to Buñuel was through "The Exterminating Angel" (1962), a film about a group of wealthy individuals at a party who cannot leave a room. As the days pass, their behavior becomes increasingly irrational and violent, leading to a surreal and unsettling climax. The film is a biting commentary on the corrupting influence of wealth and power and features Buñuel's trademark use of dreamlike imagery and absurd situations.
Buñuel continued to explore surrealism in his later films, including "The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie" (1972) and "Belle de Jour" (1967). "The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie" is a satirical look at upper-class society, a common theme in his work, and features a series of absurd and surreal situations, such as a group of people trying to have dinner while constantly being interrupted by bizarre events. "Belle de Jour" is a provocative and dreamlike exploration of desire, which was met with censorship throughout Europe.
Although his films were often controversial and polarizing, Buñuel's use of surrealism in cinema paved the way for future generations of filmmakers to experiment with the genre and push the boundaries of storytelling.
While Buñuel's work was not always approachable and was heavily based on classist society, the work of Italian filmmaker Federico Fellini used surrealism as a reflection of his own personal experiences and perceptions of life. Fellini's surrealism is characterized by the use of vivid imagery and a playful sense of fantasy that often blurs the line between reality and illusion.
One of Fellini's most iconic films is "8½" (1963), a semi-autobiographical work that follows the creative block of a filmmaker who is struggling to find inspiration for his next project. The film features surreal dream sequences that delve into the filmmaker's subconscious, showcasing his deepest fears, desires, and anxieties. These sequences are a hallmark of Fellini's surrealism and are known for their vivid and indelible imagery. The dance sequence in the film served as inspiration for Mia Wallace and Vincent Vega's dance in Tarantino's "Pulp Fiction."
Speaking of Pulp Fiction, Another notable film by Fellini is "La Dolce Vita" (1960), which is a critique of the decadence and superficiality of Italian society in the 1960s. But in regards to Pulp Fiction, The film is a series of interconnected vignettes that follow a journalist as he navigates through the world of celebrities and hedonism. So even though La Dolce Vita uses surrealistic elements by its use of dreamlike imagery and Pulp Fiction does not, it’s very apparent that the vignettes most likely helped inspire the non-linear storytelling of Pulp Fiction.
It’s clear Fellini’s work has inspired household names like Tarantino and David Lynch.
Credit: Francinex & Riama Film
Credit: With American Film Institute & Twin Peaks Productions
David Lynch is synonymous with surrealism. His often unsettling films are characterized by their use of incredibly out-of-the-box storytelling techniques, strange characters, and unique sound design. Lynch's approach to sound is particularly noteworthy, as he uses it to create an eerie and otherworldly atmosphere that adds to the surreal nature of his films.
One of Lynch's most famous films is "Eraserhead" (1977), which tells the story of a man named Henry who is left to care for his deformed child in a nightmarish industrial landscape. The film is renowned for its unsettling sound design, which features a constant hum and hiss that creates an oppressive and claustrophobic atmosphere. This sound is complemented by Lynch's use of strange, otherworldly characters, such as the Lady in the Radiator and the Man in the Planet, who add to the film's bizarre and unsettling tone.
However Lynch’s most famous (and most approachable work) is with his TV show Twin Peaks. The sound design in Twin Peaks is an integral part of its surrealism. Lynch often uses ambient noise and non-diegetic sound to create an eerie and unsettling atmosphere, which adds to the hazy. dreamlike quality of the show. For example, the sound of wind or electricity humming in the background of a scene, or the use of echoing footsteps, all contribute to the feeling that the viewer is not quite in reality. Lynch also uses music to heighten the surreal nature of the show. The iconic theme song, composed by Angelo Badalamenti, is a haunting and melancholic melody that perfectly captures the eerie small town setting of Twin Peaks.
By creating unusual and otherworldly atmospheres through his use of sound, Lynch is able to draw audiences into his unique and often unsettling worlds. And by populating these worlds with strange and memorable characters, he is able to create a sense of disorientation and unease that adds to the surreal nature of his films.
In conclusion, even though surrealism is absolutely not for everyone, it has had a significant impact on the world of film, allowing filmmakers like Buñuel, Fellini, and Lynch to explore the depths of the human mind and challenge our perception of reality. Whether used to explore the inner workings of the mind or critique social and political norms, surrealism remains a powerful tool for filmmakers to this day.
For the love of movies,
Jonathan Austin
