Surrealism, an artistic movement that emerged in the early 20th century, sought to unlock the unconscious mind and explore the realm beyond rational thought. Characterized by dreamlike visuals, unexpected juxtapositions, and illogical narratives, Surrealism has deeply influenced both mainstream cinema and independent films. Many films throughout the history of cinema have played with elements of Surrealism, challenging conventional storytelling and immersing audiences in strange and fantastical worlds. Here, we explore ten surreal movies with dreamlike visuals.
Everything, Everywhere, All at Once (2022)
Everything, Everywhere, All at Once, directed by Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert, is a genre-bending film that blends elements of action, comedy, and Surrealism. The story follows Evelyn Wang, a middle-aged Chinese-American woman who is suddenly thrust into a multiverse adventure where she must connect with different versions of herself to save the world.
The plot’s structure and visual style showcase elements of Surrealism, with rapid shifts between alternate realities, bizarre character transformations, and unexpected juxtapositions of ordinary and fantastical elements. These cinematic devices are used to explore complex themes such as identity, existentialism, and the nature of reality, all while maintaining a focus on family and personal growth.
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)
Directed by Michel Gondry and written by Charlie Kaufman, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind is a romantic drama with a surreal twist. The film explores the complexities of love and memory through the story of Joel and Clementine, who undergo a procedure to erase their memories of each other after a painful breakup. The story unfolds within Joel's mind as memories are erased, blending past and present in a montage of moments from his relationship. The film's inventive use of visual effects and nonlinear storytelling captures the surreal nature of memory and the subconscious.
2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)
Directed by Stanley Kubrick, 2001: A Space Odyssey is a landmark in science fiction cinema, but it also delves into Surrealist territory. The film's exploration of human evolution, artificial intelligence, and extraterrestrial life is presented through a non-linear narrative and stunning visual sequences. The iconic "Star Gate" sequence, with its kaleidoscopic imagery and abstract journey through space and time, is a great example of Surrealism's influence on cinema. Kubrick's film blurs the line between reality and imagination, leaving viewers with more questions than answers.
Mulholland Drive (2001)
Directed by David Lynch, Mulholland Drive is a neo-noir mystery that exists between dream and reality. The film follows an aspiring actress named Betty Elms and a woman with amnesia as they navigate the dark underbelly of Hollywood. The story is at times chaotic and filled with enigmatic symbols, making it difficult to distinguish between the characters' dreams and waking life. The film's surreal sequences, including the haunting performance at Club Silencio, exemplify Lynch's ability to create a disorienting and hypnotic experience.
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The Lobster (2015)
Directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, The Lobster is a darkly comedic film set in a dystopian future where single people are sent to a hotel and given 45 days to find a romantic partner, or else they are transformed into an animal of their choice. The film's absurd premise and deadpan delivery reflect Lanthimos's unique brand of film and aligns with many aspects of Surrealism. Through its bizarre concept and peculiar rules of society, The Lobster explores themes of love, conformity, and individuality. The film's surreal atmosphere is heightened by its peculiar dialogue, stark cinematography, and unsettling tone.
Eraserhead (1977)
David Lynch's Eraserhead is a nightmarish exploration of anxiety, parenthood, and the grotesque. The film follows Henry Spencer, a man living in an industrial wasteland, as he grapples with his new role as a father to an alien-like baby. Lynch's use of stark black-and-white cinematography, unsettling sound design, and surreal imagery creates an oppressive atmosphere that reflects the protagonist's inner turmoil. Like Surrealist art, this film expresses the subconscious fears and anxieties of modern life through absurdity.
Paprika (2006)
Directed by Satoshi Kon, Paprika is a Japanese animated film that explores the intersection of dreams and reality. The story follows Dr. Atsuko Chiba, a psychologist who uses a device called the DC Mini to enter people's dreams under the alter ego "Paprika". When the device is stolen, chaos ensues as the boundaries between dreams and reality begin to blur. Paprika delves into the subconscious through vibrant animation and imaginative dream sequences, exploring the power of dreams and the complexities of the human mind.
The Holy Mountain (1973)
Alejandro Jodorowsky's The Holy Mountain is a visually striking film that explores themes of spirituality, greed, and transformation. The plot follows a Christ-like figure who, along with a group of individuals representing the planets of the solar system, embarks on a quest to reach the Holy Mountain and achieve enlightenment. Jodorowsky's film is filled with surreal imagery, symbolic representations, and set designs that break the boundaries of traditional storytelling. The film's use of vivid colors, unconventional structure, and philosophical undertones make it a must-watch for those who love surreal movies.
Un Chien Andalou (1929)
A cornerstone of Surrealist cinema, Un Chien Andalou is a silent short film directed by Luis Buñuel and co-written by pioneering Surrealist, Salvador Dalí. This 16-minute film is famous for its shocking and bizarre imagery, such as the infamous eye-slitting scene. With no coherent plot, the film juxtaposes seemingly unrelated images and events, challenging the viewer's perception of reality. Buñuel and Dalí's work embodies the Surrealist technique of disrupting logic and reason, creating a unique watching experience that remains exciting to this day.
The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie (1972)
Also directed by Luis Buñuel, The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie is a satirical Surrealist comedy that explores the absurdity of social conventions. The film follows a group of bourgeois friends who repeatedly try to have dinner together but are thwarted by a series of bizarre and surreal interruptions. Buñuel uses the film to critique the hypocrisy and superficiality of certain people among the upper class, blending reality with dream sequences. The film's plot is fragmented, creating a sense of confusion and disorientation that is central to its Surrealist style.
Surrealism and Artificial Intelligence in Moving Image
Due to recent developments in artificial intelligence, filmmakers have unlocked a new tool to create surrealist visuals. “A new cinematic language is being defined with dreamlike visuals, unexpected juxtapositions, and illogical narratives, echoing the core tenets of Surrealism,” says Leo Crane, Course Leader at Sotheby’s Institute of Art.
“With AI, directors can now create films that move beyond the constraints of traditional storytelling, allowing the machine to tap into vast datasets and generate visual and narrative ideas that feel as if they emerge from a dreamlike state. This dynamic evokes the automatic writing and spontaneous creativity that early surrealists like André Breton championed, but with a modern technological twist.”
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