Watch Phantom Museums: The Short Films of the Quay Brothers

Phantom Museums: The Short Films of the Quay Brothers is an extraordinary collection of short films produced by identical twins, Stephen and Timothy Quay. It is a compilation that brings together 15 of the Brothers' most imaginative works, including their earliest and most influential films, as well as some of their more recent productions.

These films are a testament to the Brothers' distinct visual style and their ability to create worlds that people can get lost in. They are known for their use of stop-motion animation, intricate sets, and surreal imagery, a combination that has earned them critical acclaim and a devoted cult following. The films are not narrative-driven, but rather they evoke a dreamlike quality that transports the viewer into a world of the subconscious.

The Quay Brothers' filmmaking style is outstanding, and each of their films is a meticulously crafted work of art. The shorts in this collection explore themes of death, memory, and loss, with a hauntingly beautiful aesthetic that will stay with you long after you finish watching.

One of the standout films in this collection is 'The Cabinet of Jan Švankmajer,' which was commissioned by the BBC in 1984 to pay tribute to the Czech surrealist filmmaker Jan Švankmajer. It is a film that showcases the Brothers' signature style, as it is a stop-motion animated tribute to the visionary director’s films, featuring grotesque creatures and fantastical landscapes.

Another impressive film in this collection is 'Street of Crocodiles,' an adaptation of Bruno Schulz's novel of the same name. The film portrays the life of a department store clerk who descends into madness, with the streets of the city becoming a metaphor for the human brain. The Quay Brothers produced this film in 1986 and it won several awards, including the Grand Prize at the Ottawa International Animation Festival.

'Rehearsals for Extinct Anatomies' is another evocative and haunting film in this collection. It depicts an anatomist's laboratory and presents a detailed examination of the human body, accompanied by emotive yet melancholic sounds.

The compilation also includes their adaptation of Robert Walser's story, 'The Walk,' which tells the darkly humorous tale of a man who becomes lost in a series of increasingly surreal situations. 'In Absentia,' another standout film, is based on the letters of a mental patient who believes a machine is feeding on her memories.

Phantom Museums: The Short Films of the Quay Brothers is a mesmerizing collection of films that showcases the Quays' distinctive style and vision. These short films are beautifully crafted and thought-provoking, with a surrealist tone that will fascinate and captivate viewers.

In summary, this collection of films is a must-see for fans of experimental cinema, animation, and art in general. The Quay Brothers have created unique works of art that have stood the test of time and continue to inspire a new generation of filmmakers.