Surrealism and Film After 1945: Absolutely Modern Mysteries - Paperback

by Kristoffer Noheden (Editor), Abigail Susik (Editor)

This is the first volume to focus on the diverse permutations of international surrealist cinema after the canonical interwar period. The collection features eleven original contributions by prominent scholars such as Tom Gunning, Michael L?wy, Gavin Parkinson and Michael Richardson, alongside other leading and emerging researchers. An introductory chapter offers a historical overview as well as a theoretical framework for specific methodological approaches. The collection demonstrates that renowned figures such as Leonora Carrington, Maya Deren, Alejandro Jodorowsky and Jan Svankmajer took part in shaping a vibrant and distinctive surrealist film culture following the Second World War. Addressing highly influential films and directors related to international surrealism during the second half of the twentieth century, it expands the purview of both surrealism and film studies by situating surrealism as a major force in postwar cinema.

Back Jacket

'In this major contribution to the burgeoning canon of interdisciplinary critical work in surrealism studies, Noheden and Susik have gathered together exciting new essays by leading scholars in the field, offering analyses of key films and directors which will recalibrate our understanding of post-war developments in surrealism and its cinematic expressions.'
Patricia Allmer, author of Lee Miller: Photography, Surrealism, and Beyond

'Surrealism and film after 1945 makes a compelling case for post-1945 as truly the movement's "age of cinema" and a golden one at that. Sharpening our understanding of surrealist engagements with cinema and cinematic engagements with surrealism, the essays in this collection provide a wondrous set of "enchanted wanderings" through postwar cinema, film culture, and aesthetics.'
James Leo Cahill, author of Zoological Surrealism: The Nonhuman Cinema of Jean Painlevé

Interest in the surrealist movement is stronger than ever, but surrealist film is still little studied compared to art and literature. Looking beyond the canonical period of the 1920s and 1930s, this volume breaks new ground by situating surrealism as a major force in postwar cinema.

The book presents new analyses of renowned figures such as Leonora Carrington, Maya Deren, Alejandro Jodorowsky, and Jan Svankmajer, showing how these artists helped to shape a vibrant and distinctive surrealist film culture. In doing so, it expands the scope of both surrealism and film studies, while demonstrating the benefits of an interdisciplinary approach that looks to art, literature, and ideas. Challenging predominant narratives about the attributes of surrealist film, the book will be of interest to students and scholars of art history and film, as well as a broader audience of curators, film programmers, and art aficionados.

Author Biography

Kristoffer Noheden is Reader in Cinema Studies at Stockholm University
Abigail Susik is Joint Series Editor of the Bloomsbury Transnational Surrealism Book Series