Surreal Films

From David Fincher, starring Brad Pitt, Edward Norton, Meat Loaf, Zach Grenier
Rated R

Fight Club is a 1999 dark comedy-drama film directed by David Fincher based on the 1996 novel of the same name by Chuck Palahniuk. It stars Brad Pitt and Edward Norton as an unnamed narrator and a soap maker/anarchist known as Tyler Durden, respectively. The film follows an underground fight club that the narrator forms after meeting Durden, and follows the chaos that ensues as their personal lives and the fight club's activities spiral out of control. Along the way, the narrator and Durden's personal ideologies clash, leading to a climactic final fight between the two. The film is a commentary on masculinity and the modern lifestyle, and has become a cult classic.

From Hayao Miyazaki, starring Daveigh Chase, Suzanne Pleshette, Miyu Irino, Rumi Hiiragi
Rated PG

“Spirited Away” is a 2001 Japanese animated fantasy film written and directed by Hayao Miyazaki. It follows the story of Chihiro, a ten-year-old girl who, while moving to a new town with her parents, finds herself in a world inhabited by supernatural beings. Chihiro must work in a bathhouse in order to free her parents, who have been transformed into pigs by the witch Yubaba. Along the way she encounters a cast of diverse and interesting characters, including a mysterious boy called Haku, a giant baby, and a giant radish-like spirit. Chihiro must use her courage, wit, and compassion to survive the strange new world and find her way back home. The film is widely acclaimed for its beautiful animation, imaginative characters, and heartfelt story.

From Francis Ford Coppola, starring Martin Sheen, Marlon Brando, Robert Duvall, Frederic Forrest
Rated R

Apocalypse Now is an American epic war film directed, produced, and co-written by Francis Ford Coppola and starring Marlon Brando, Robert Duvall, and Martin Sheen. Set during the Vietnam War, the film follows the story of Captain Benjamin Willard, a Special Forces soldier sent on a dangerous mission to assassinate a renegade Green Beret Colonel, Walter Kurtz, who has gone insane and is leading a band of Montagnard fighters in the Cambodian jungle. Along the way, Willard encounters a variety of characters, including a rogue U.S. Air Cavalry unit, a mysterious French Plantation Owner, and a passionate photojournalist. As the film progresses, Willard's mission takes him deeper into the heart of darkness, where he must confront his own inner demons and decide whether to follow Kurtz's orders or remain loyal to his own moral code.

From Park Chan-wook, starring Choi Min-sik, Yoo Ji-tae, Kang Hye-jeong, Kim Byeong-Ok
Rated R

Oldboy is a 2003 South Korean psychological thriller film by director Park Chan-wook. The film tells the story of Oh Dae-su, a man who is inexplicably kidnapped and imprisoned in a strange hotel room-like cell for 15 years, a period in which he learns martial arts and develops a vengeful obsession with his anonymous captor. When he is finally released, he embarks on a quest to find out the identity of his captor and why he was held captive for so long. Along the way, he discovers shocking secrets about his past and the motivations of his captor. The film is noted for its brutally violent action sequences, its twisted plot, and its philosophical themes.

From Christopher Nolan, starring Guy Pearce, Carrie-Anne Moss, Joe Pantoliano, Mark Boone Junior
Rated R

Memento is a 2000 neo-noir psychological thriller film written and directed by Christopher Nolan. The film follows a protagonist suffering from anterograde amnesia, unable to form new memories, as he attempts to find the person who murdered his wife. After suffering a head injury, Leonard Shelby is unable to remember past events or form new memories; his only solace is writing himself notes and tattooing himself with reminders. With help from his friend, Natalie, Leonard sets out to track down his wife's killer. The film is presented as two different sequences of scenes, a linear sequence (in black and white) and a nonlinear sequence (in color). The nonlinear sequence follows the protagonist's search for vengeance, while the linear sequence reveals how the protagonist's investigations have changed in the past. With the help of his notes, Leonard attempts to piece together the puzzle of his past and eventually discovers the killer's identity.

From Stanley Kubrick, starring Keir Dullea, Gary Lockwood, William Sylvester, Daniel Richter
Rated G

2001: A Space Odyssey is an epic science fiction film directed by Stanley Kubrick and based on the novel of the same name by Arthur C. Clarke. The film follows the story of a sentient artificial intelligence computer named HAL 9000 and his attempt to control humanity’s future. It explores the themes of human evolution, technology, and its implications for the future. The film is split into four sections: The Dawn of Man, TMA-1, Jupiter Mission, and Beyond the Infinite. It follows the story of a group of astronauts on a mission to Jupiter, in the year 2001. Throughout their journey, they face many conflicts and challenges, both from their environment and from the AI computer that runs their ship, HAL 9000. As they near Jupiter, they encounter a mysterious black monolith, which leads to the discovery of an even larger and more powerful monolith in orbit around Jupiter. This monolith leads them to a mysterious and enigmatic star gate that takes them past the boundaries of space and time. The film ends with the explorer, Dave Bowman, traveling through the star gate and transformed into a powerful being, leaving humanity to contemplate their own existence.

From Stanley Kubrick, starring Malcolm McDowell, Patrick Magee, Michael Bates, Warren Clarke
Rated R

A Clockwork Orange is a 1971 film directed by Stanley Kubrick, based on the novel of the same name by Anthony Burgess. The film follows the life of a teenage protagonist, Alex, as he and his gang of "droogs" indulge in a night of ultra-violence and crime. After a failed burglary attempt, Alex is arrested and sent to prison, where he is chosen as a guinea pig in an experimental rehabilitation program. After his release, Alex is a changed man, but finds that his newfound morality has made him an outcast in his own society. He embarks on a journey of self-discovery to reclaim his sense of freedom. The film is a commentary on free will, morality, and free society, and has become a cultural classic.

From Ingmar Bergman, starring Victor Sjöström, Bibi Andersson, Ingrid Thulin, Gunnar Björnstrand
Rated Not Rated

"Wild Strawberries" is a 1957 Swedish drama film directed by Ingmar Bergman and starring Victor Sjöström as Isak Borg, an elderly doctor who is forced to confront his fears and past life choices during a road trip to receive an honorary degree. On his journey, Isak meets some young travelers who symbolize the freedom he has been lacking. Along the way, he meets many figures from his past and is forced to reflect on the choices he has made in life. Through this journey, Isak ultimately learns to accept his mortality and appreciate all the experiences life has to offer.

From Ingmar Bergman, starring Max von Sydow, Gunnar Björnstrand, Bengt Ekerot, Nils Poppe
Rated Not Rated

The Seventh Seal is a Swedish film from 1957. It follows knight Antonius Block and his squire Jöns as they journey across a plague-ridden landscape, pursued by Death. The knight challenges Death to a chess game for his life and the life of his squire. Along the way, they meet a variety of characters, including a juggler and his wife, a family of traveling players, and a depraved knight. Through their interactions and confrontations with Death, they explore faith, mortality, and the purpose of life. The film is noted for its striking imagery and use of religious symbolism.

From Ingmar Bergman, starring Bertil Guve, Pernilla Allwin, Kristina Adolphson, Börje Ahlstedt
Rated R

Fanny and Alexander is a 1982 Swedish drama film written and directed by Ingmar Bergman. The film tells the story of the siblings Alexander and Fanny Ekdahl and their large family in the Uppsala of the beginning of the 20th century. After the death of their father, the family is left in the care of the children's tyrannical stepfather, bishop Vergérus. After facing a number of tough struggles with their stepfather, the children and their mother flee to the city of Stockholm, where they lead a more comfortable life. The film follows the family through the ups and downs of their lives, culminating in a series of events that lead to an emotional and satisfying conclusion. Fanny and Alexander is an epic celebration of family, faith, and the human spirit, and it is widely considered to be one of Bergman's greatest films.

From Ingmar Bergman, starring Bibi Andersson, Liv Ullmann, Margaretha Krook, Gunnar Björnstrand
Rated Not Rated

Persona is a 1966 Swedish movie directed by Ingmar Bergman and starring Liv Ullmann and Bibi Andersson. The film is a psychological drama that follows the story of a nurse, Alma, and her patient, Elisabet Vogler, a famous stage actress who has fallen into a state of silent and immobile shock. During an extended stay at a remote beach house, Alma attempts to connect with Elisabet, but as the two women's identities become increasingly intertwined, the boundaries between them begin to blur. The film is acclaimed for its exploration of identity and the thin line between reality and fantasy, and its use of symbolism and surrealism. It has been widely considered to be one of the greatest films of all time.

From Andrei Tarkovsky, starring Natalya Bondarchuk, Donatas Banionis, Jüri Järvet, Vladislav Dvorzhetskiy
Rated PG

Solaris is a science fiction film directed by Andrei Tarkovsky in 1972. It follows the story of a psychologist, Kris Kelvin, who is sent to a space station orbiting the mysterious ocean planet Solaris, to investigate the strange and inexplicable occurrences that have been reported there. Upon arrival, Kris discovers that a mysterious, psychic force emanating from the planet has created a physical manifestation of his dead wife, Rheya, who has been dead for many years. As Kris struggles to come to terms with the reality of his dead wife and the secrets of the enigmatic planet, he comes to question his own sanity and existence. Solaris is a film that deconstructs the boundaries of the traditional science fiction genre, exploring themes of memory, longing, and human connection in a profound and thought-provoking way.

From Federico Fellini, starring Marcello Mastroianni, Anouk Aimée, Claudia Cardinale, Sandra Milo
Rated Not Rated

8½ is a 1963 surrealist comedy-drama film written and directed by Federico Fellini. It stars Marcello Mastroianni as Guido Anselmi, a director struggling to find meaning and purpose in his life and career. Through a series of dreams, fantasies, and flashbacks, Guido confronts his past, present and future, struggling to reconcile his identity as an artist with his roles as a husband, lover, and father. The film also features Claudia Cardinale and Anouk Aimée as the principal female characters in Guido's life. The expansive cast includes celebrities from 1960s Italian cinema. 8½ won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film and was nominated for two other Academy Awards. It has since come to be viewed as one of the greatest films of all time.

From Katsuhiro Ôtomo, starring Mitsuo Iwata, Nozomu Sasaki, Mami Koyama, Tesshô Genda
Rated R

Akira is a Japanese animated cyberpunk action film set in a post-apocalyptic Neo-Tokyo, 31 years after the city was destroyed in a mysterious explosion. The story follows two biker gangs, led by Kaneda and Tetsuo, as they battle for power and control over the city. Tetsuo discovers an ancient power called "Akira", which he uses to gain superhuman abilities. With these newfound powers, Tetsuo begins to cause chaos and destruction throughout the city, leading to a war between the government and the rebels. With the help of Kaneda and the rebels, Akira is able to use his power to restore the city and save the future.

From Alan Parker, starring Bob Geldof, Christine Hargreaves, James Laurenson, Eleanor David
Rated R

Pink Floyd: The Wall is a 1982 film directed by Alan Parker which follows the story of a Rock musician named Pink, who has come to a mental breaking point due to the pressures of fame, his troubled past, and the death of his father. The film follows Pink’s descent into madness as he constructs a literal wall around himself to protect his sanity. Through a series of surrealistic and allegorical sequences of music and animation, the film examines Pink’s inner turmoil and his troubled relationships. The film culminates in an explosive performance of the classic Pink Floyd album of the same name, which is used as a metaphor for Pink’s eventual escape from his mental prison.

From Richard Kelly, starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Jena Malone, Mary McDonnell, Holmes Osborne
Rated R

Donnie Darko is a psychological thriller about a troubled teen, Donnie Darko (Jake Gyllenhaal), who is visited by a mysterious figure, Frank (James Duval), and warned of the impending end of the world. After this warning, strange events start to occur, including a jet engine crashing into Donnie's bedroom and his being visited by a giant bunny rabbit. As Donnie investigates the origins of Frank and the strange events happening to him, he discovers a dangerous secret which could have catastrophic consequences if not stopped in time. Donnie is forced to confront his own demons and his relationships with his family, friends, and the strange new girl, Gretchen (Jena Malone), with whom he forms a strong bond. Throughout his journey, he is guided by Frank, who ultimately helps him discover the truth about himself and the world around him.

From Terry Gilliam, starring Bruce Willis, Madeleine Stowe, Brad Pitt, Joseph Melito
Rated R

12 Monkeys is a science-fiction film released in 1995, directed by Terry Gilliam and starring Bruce Willis, Madeleine Stowe, and Brad Pitt. The film is set in the year 2035, when a deadly virus has decimated the human population. In order to save humanity, scientists send James Cole (Bruce Willis) back in time to 1996 in order to gather information about the origin of the virus and find a cure. In his travels, Cole meets Kathryn Railly (Madeleine Stowe), a psychiatrist who believes him despite his outlandish claims, and Jeffrey Goines (Brad Pitt), an unstable mental patient who is part of a radical animal rights group. Together, they explore the various time lines, searching for the truth behind the virus. As Cole begins to unravel the secrets of the past, he discovers secrets that could have devastating consequences for the future of humanity.

From Terry Gilliam, starring Jonathan Pryce, Kim Greist, Robert De Niro, Katherine Helmond
Rated R

Brazil is a 1985 dystopian black comedy film directed by Terry Gilliam and written by Gilliam, Charles McKeown, and Tom Stoppard. The film stars Jonathan Pryce as Sam Lowry, a bureaucrat trying to find a woman who appears in his daydreams while he is trying to do his job. He meets a mysterious figure who appears to be helping him, but is actually leading him into a surreal, disorienting landscape filled with strange characters and dangerous consequences. The film is set in a dystopian future where a totalitarian government has complete control over its citizens, and the bureaucracy has taken over daily life. Sam navigates his way through the bureaucracy in an attempt to find love and a way out of the oppressive system. In the end, he finds only a kind of freedom in his own imagination.

From Directors: Jean Cocteau, René Clément, starring Jean Marais, Josette Day, Mila Parély, Nane Germon
Rated Not Rated

Beauty and the Beast (1946) is a French fantasy film directed by Jean Cocteau and René Clément. The film tells the story of Belle (Josette Day), a beautiful and naive girl who lives with her father in a provincial town. When her father is imprisoned for stealing a rose from a mysterious Beast (Jean Marais), Belle agrees to take his place and become the Beast’s prisoner. At first, the Beast is cruel and Belle is terrified, but eventually she befriends him, and the Beast’s true identity is revealed - he is actually a prince cursed by an enchantress. Belle discovers that the only way to break the curse is for the Beast to learn to love and be loved in return. With the help of an enchanted rose, Belle and the Beast are able to find love, and the Beast is transformed back into a handsome prince.

From David Lynch, starring Naomi Watts, Laura Harring, Justin Theroux, Jeanne Bates
Rated R

Mulholland Drive is a psychological mystery-thriller directed by David Lynch. The story follows the journey of aspiring actress Betty Elms (Naomi Watts) and the amnesiac Rita (Laura Harring) as they unravel a sinister conspiracy in Los Angeles. The film explores the hidden and unconscious motivations that drive the characters, as Betty and Rita experience events and uncover clues that lead them to the dark heart of Hollywood. Along the way, they confront questions of identity, dream and reality, love and obsession, and the power of illusion.

From Mamoru Oshii, starring Atsuko Tanaka, Iemasa Kayumi, Akio Ôtsuka, Kôichi Yamadera
Rated TV-MA

Ghost in the Shell is a 1995 anime cyberpunk science fiction film directed by Mamoru Oshii, based on the manga of the same name by Masamune Shirow. It follows the story of Major Motoko Kusanagi, a cyborg counter-cyberterrorist field commander of the covert operations team Section 9. The team investigates the case of a mysterious hacker known as the Puppet Master, who is hijacking the brains of cyborg-human hybrids. Along the way, Motoko begins to question her own identity and existence, exploring the nature of her artificial body and her soul. The film is hailed as a masterpiece of world cinema, and its influence extends to many other popular works, such as The Matrix and Blade Runner.

From Alejandro Jodorowsky, starring Alejandro Jodorowsky, Horacio Salinas, Zamira Saunders, Juan Ferrara
Rated R

The Holy Mountain is a 1973 surrealist film directed by Alejandro Jodorowsky. It follows a Christ-like figure as he travels through a strange and surreal world, encountering powerful and mysterious figures along the way. Along the way, he meets a mysterious alchemist who tells him of a secret, hidden place known as the Holy Mountain—a place where the immortal rulers of the world reside. With the alchemist's guidance, the Christ-like figure and eight followers embark on a spiritual quest to reach the summit of the mountain and attain enlightenment. The film is a surrealist journey through the human psyche, full of symbolism and allegory. Themes explored in the film include religion, death, and redemption.

From Luis Buñuel, starring Fernando Rey, Delphine Seyrig, Paul Frankeur, Bulle Ogier
Rated PG

The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie is a 1972 surrealist comedy film by Luis Buñuel. It follows the story of a group of upper-class friends who continuously fail to have dinner together due to various interruptions and misunderstandings. In the course of the movie, the characters experience surreal, dreamlike occurrences and fragmentary stories that reflect the absurdity of the upper-class lifestyle. The friends attempt to make sense of the strange events surrounding them, but ultimately fail to do so. The film is a commentary on the rituals and conventions of the bourgeois class and their attempts to maintain an air of respectability and sophistication.

From Spike Jonze, starring John Cusack, Cameron Diaz, Catherine Keener, John Malkovich
Rated R

Being John Malkovich tells the story of Craig Schwartz, a struggling puppeteer who takes a job as a filing clerk in an office on the 7 1/2th floor of a Manhattan office building. He discovers a secret door that leads him into the mind of actor John Malkovich for fifteen minutes. Craig and his wife, Lotte, embark on a journey of self-discovery as they develop a business selling fifteen-minute trips into the actor's head, while Craig also becomes increasingly obsessed with John Malkovich himself. In the end, Craig realizes that he must let go of the fantasy of being John Malkovich and come to terms with his own identity.

From Tod Browning, starring Wallace Ford, Leila Hyams, Olga Baclanova, Roscoe Ates
Rated Not Rated

Freaks is a 1932 American horror film directed by Tod Browning. The film follows a group of carnival sideshow performers, referred to as "freaks", who are exploited by the cruel and avaricious Cleopatra and her strongman boyfriend Hercules. When Cleopatra tries to seduce Hans, one of the sideshow attractions, to steal his inheritance, the freaks take revenge by brutally mutilating her. The film caused controversy upon its initial release due to its subject matter, which was considered taboo at the time, and its sympathetic portrayal of the characters. It was banned in the UK and heavily censored in the US. Despite this, Freaks has since become a cult classic and is considered by many to be a groundbreaking work in horror cinema.