Author Description

Dimensions of Dialogue celebrates the world-renowned Czech filmmaker Jan vankmajer (born 1934), responsible for some of the most memorable and unique animated films ever realized, and who has strongly influenced filmmakers like Tim Burton and The Brothers Quay. This publication presents vankmajer not only as a filmmaker but also as an outstanding fine artist, experimenter, poet and a militant surrealist. Through explorative and informative essays, scholars Bertrand Schmitt and Frantiek Dryje illuminate the various aspects of his output, including puppet theatre, Mannerism, Surrealism and his many collaborations with his wife, Eva vankmajerová (1940-2005), a surrealist painter, filmmaker and ceramicist. The monograph, named after his 1982 film (noted for its brilliant display of "claymation") includes a number of reproductions of vankmajer's art work, film stills, photographs from plays and a selection of documentary images from the life of this internationally respected and multitalented artist.