Animated Allegory: FAUST

Tickets are $10, for 72 hours of access. Streaming Link: https://kimstimvirtual.vhx.tv/products/faust-at-epsilon-spires

Faust (1994). Directed by Jan Švankmajer. 97 min. | In Czech, with English subtitles.

Jan Švankmajer's version of the infamous fable of temptation uses a visually fantastic combination of live-action, claymation, puppet theatre, and stop-motion animation to resemble the subconscious experience of a dream. In interviews Švankmajer has explained the political implications of the film, that passivity in accepting oppressive structures are what leads this contemporary Faust to damnation. 

"Although the story was originally intended as a morality play, the themes of external manipulation and powerlessness are key in this version of Faust. While Marlowe and Goethe’s protagonists aim to be masters of their own destinies, Švankmajer’s Faust seems (at times literally) guided by puppet-masters."- David Heslin, Senses of Cinema 

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UyW46Pbsp9k

“A FILM WHICH GALVANISES THE MIND AND ASTONISHES THE EYE. IN A WORD, MAGIC.

The animation master grafts a wealth of themes, motifs, allusions and gags, his method an expertly executed, profoundly imaginative combination of live action, claymation, puppet theatre, stop-motion and special effects.”– Time Out

“ASTONISHING, COMPLETELY MAD AND NOT TO BE MISSED. The experience feels very much like stepping into a very believable but totally absurd parallel universe.”– BBC

“With its blend of live action, chattering marionettes, and weird, fleshy stop-motion sequences—not to mention the pitch-black of the humor—FAUST THROWS YOU OFF BALANCE MORE THROUGHLY THAN ANY OTHER MOVIE IN TOWN”– The New Yorker