The Cabinet of Jan Švankmajer
In Prague, a professorial puppet, with metal pincers for hands and an open book for a hat, takes a boy as a pupil. First, the professor empties fluff and toys from the child's head, leaving him without the top of his head for most of the film. The professor then teaches the lad about illusions and perspectives, the pursuit of an object through exploring a bank of drawers, divining an object, and the migration of forms. The child then brings out a box with a tarantula in it: the professor puts his "hands" into the box and describes what he feels. The boy receives a final lesson about animation and film making; then the professor gives him a brain and his own open-book hat.
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📋 Film Details
| Year | 1984 |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Genre | Animation |
| Director | Stephen Quay |
| Runtime | 14 min. |
| Rating | TMDB: 6.9/10 (41 votes) |
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🎬 MovieFinder's Take
The direction is assured — the director controls pace and space with a sense of knowing why each scene belongs here.
Watches evenly. No lows, no revelations. But there's dignity in the craft — and it's present here.
A wide audience will appreciate it. Especially those who love the genre.
Director: Stephen Quay
— MovieFinder Editorial
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Viewing atmosphere: Evening with someone who likes to talk about cinema after. Good backdrop for a quiet evening.
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