Cinema is an art that can explore every aspect of reality, even the darkest and most surreal. Strange and absurd movies are works that challenge common sense and take us to a world where anything is possible.
These movies can be divided into two main categories: those that are deliberately strange and absurd, and those that become so by accident.
The first are works that come from a precise vision of the director, who wants to create a unique and memorable cinematic experience. These films are often characterized by an originality and inventiveness that makes them unique.
The latter, on the other hand, are works that were not originally intended to be strange or absurd, but that become so for a variety of factors, such as limited budget, improvisation by actors, or directorial choices. These movies can be just as entertaining and fascinating as the first, but they are often also more unpredictable and extravagant.
Here are some examples of strange and absurd movies belonging to the two categories:
Category 1:
- Eraserhead (1977) by David Lynch: a black-and-white nightmare about birth and death.
- The Holy Mountain (1973) by Alejandro Jodorowsky: a philosophical and religious allegory rich in surreal imagery.
- Tetsuo: The Iron Man (1989) by Shinya Tsukamoto: an hallucinatory story of a man who turns into a cyborg.
- Videodrome (1983) by David Cronenberg: a psychological thriller that explores the dangers of technology.
- Naked Lunch (1991) by David Cronenberg: an adaptation of William S. Burroughs’s novel about drug use and human depravity.
- Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me (1992) by David Lynch: a prequel to the TV series “Twin Peaks” that explores the mysteries of the town.
- Mulholland Drive (2001) by David Lynch: an enigmatic and surreal noir film.
- Lost Highway (1997) by David Lynch: a psychological thriller that explores the theme of identity.
Category 2:
- The Wicker Man (1973) by Robin Hardy: a psychological thriller set in a remote pagan community.
- The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975) a camp rock musical that has had a huge cult following.
- Repo Man (1984) a post-apocalyptic action film with a touch of black humor.
- Liquid Sky (1982) an underground science fiction film with a psychedelic aesthetic.
- The Toxic Avenger (1984) a trashy superhero film with a protagonist who is a green and repulsive monster.
- Beetlejuice (1988) a fantasy comedy film about a ghost who helps a couple evict the new tenants from their house.
- The Big Lebowski (1998) a stoner comedy with an unemployed and lazy protagonist.
- Pulp Fiction (1994) a neo-noir film with a pulpy atmosphere and a postmodern aesthetic.
These films are just a few examples of a cinematic genre that continues to grow and diversify. They are works that can be enjoyed by a wide audience, but they are also able to offer something unique and special to those who are looking for a different kind of cinematic experience.
Here is a list of strange and absurd movies to watch in chronological order by year of release. Some are masterpieces, others are stupid films but maybe they’re worth a look for a laugh.
Haxan, Witchcraft Through the Ages (1922)
Haxan, Witchcraft Through the Ages (1922) is a silent horror essay film written and directed by Benjamin Christensen. The film is a historical and psychological investigation of witchcraft, from its origins in primitive cultures to the persecutions of the Middle Ages.
The film is divided into two parts. The first part, entitled “Witchcraft in Primitive Beliefs”, explores the origins of witchcraft in primitive cultures. Christensen uses a series of period images, including statues, paintings, and woodcuts, to illustrate the beliefs of these cultures about witches, demons, and magical rituals.
The second part, entitled “Witchcraft in the Middle Ages”, focuses on the persecution of witches in the Middle Ages. Christensen uses a combination of period images and dramatic scenes to tell stories of witches who were accused, tortured, and burned alive.
Haxan is an innovative film in several respects. First, it is one of the first films to deal with the subject of witchcraft in a scientific and documentary way. Second, the film uses innovative cinematic techniques, such as alternating montage and cross-dissolve, to create a disturbing and evocative atmosphere.
A Page Of Madness (1926)
Page of Madness (1926) is a Japanese silent film directed by Teinosuke Kinugasa. The film is an experimental and avant-garde work that explores the themes of madness, memory, and repression.
The story is set in an asylum, where a guilt-ridden man agrees to work as a janitor to stay close to his insane wife, who tried to drown herself along with her young son many years ago.
The film is characterized by visionary direction and expressive use of images. Kinugasa creates a dreamlike and surreal atmosphere that reflects the mental state of the characters.
Page of Madness is a strange and absurd film that can disorient the viewer. However, it is also a fascinating and powerful film that leaves a lasting impression.
Here are some examples of how the keyword “strange and absurd film” can be naturally inserted into the film’s description:
- “Page of Madness is a strange and absurd film that explores the themes of madness in a visionary and surreal way.”
- “The film is an experimental and avant-garde work that can confuse the viewer, but it is also fascinating and powerful.”
- “Kinugasa creates a dreamlike and surreal atmosphere that reflects the mental state of the characters, in a way that can be strange and absurd.”
The Exterminating Angel (1962)
The Exterminating Angel is a 1962 Mexican surrealist film directed by Luis Buñuel. The film is a satirical and allegorical exploration of the hypocrisies and contradictions of the bourgeoisie.
The film’s plot is simple: a group of upper-class people gather for a dinner party at a villa. After dinner, the guests find themselves trapped inside a small drawing room. No one can leave, even though the door is open. The characters, initially annoyed and then increasingly frightened, begin to lose control of themselves.
The film is full of surreal and grotesque scenes, which Buñuel uses to criticize the bourgeoisie. The characters in the film are portrayed as superficial beings who are unable to face reality. Their hypocrisy and vices are exposed through a series of paradoxical situations.
The Exterminating Angel is a strange and absurd film that has elicited different interpretations. Some critics have seen it as a metaphor for social repression, while others have seen it as a reflection on the alienation of the individual in modern society.
The film was an international success and helped to solidify Buñuel’s reputation as one of the greatest directors of the 20th century.
The Wicker Man (1973)
The Wicker Man is a 1973 British folk horror film directed by Robin Hardy. The film is a psychological thriller that combines elements of folklore, paganism, and religion.
The plot of the film is as follows: Neil Howie, a police inspector from Glasgow, is sent to the island of Summerisle to investigate the disappearance of a five-year-old girl. When he arrives on the island, Howie discovers that the local community is governed by a pagan cult that worships the goddess of fertility.
Howie is a devout and puritanical man, and his strict morality comes into conflict with the pagan practices of the community. As Howie investigates the disappearance of the girl, he begins to uncover the dark secrets of the island.
The Wicker Man is a strange and absurd film, full of memorable and disturbing scenes. The film was an international success and has had a strong impact on popular culture.
Here are some examples of how the film can be described as strange and absurd:
- The pagan community on the island practices rituals that are alien to Howie’s Christian culture. These rituals include human sacrifice, ritual sex, and cannibalism.
- Howie is a character who represents rationality and the law. His presence on the island creates a sense of imbalance and threat.
- The film is full of ambiguity and symbolism. The meaning of the film has been debated by critics and viewers.
The Holy Mountain (1973)
The Holy Mountain is a 1973 Mexican surrealist film directed by Alejandro Jodorowsky. The film is a surrealist and challenging work that explores themes such as spirituality, religion, and the occult.
The plot of the film is as follows: a thief, who resembles Jesus Christ, after many misadventures with pseudo-religious people, flees to the top of a tower that turns out to be the laboratory of a mysterious alchemist.
After taking part in various initiatory rites, the alchemist introduces him to seven people, the most powerful on Earth, who specifically embody the industries of well-being, war, art, play, and the police, the construction entrepreneurship and economic power, which, together with them, represent the nine conceptions of life indicated by the Enneagram of personality.
The film is full of surreal and grotesque scenes, which Jodorowsky uses to explore his themes in a provocative and provocative way. The characters in the film are portrayed as complex and contradictory beings, and their actions are often incomprehensible and absurd.
The Holy Mountain is a film that has elicited different interpretations. Some critics have seen it as an allegorical film that criticizes modern society, while others have seen it as a visionary film that explores the spiritual world.
The film was an international success and has had a strong impact on popular culture. It is a film that continues to be discussed and analyzed today.
Some examples of how the film can be described as strange and absurd include:
- The film’s story is full of unlikely and bizarre events. For example, the thief manages to escape from a group of assassins, climb a very tall tower, and participate in a series of magical rites.
- The characters in the film are often portrayed in a grotesque and caricatural way. For example, the alchemist is an eccentric and mysterious man, while the seven powerful people are portrayed as monsters.
- The film is full of symbolism and esoteric allusions. For example, the tower represents the spiritual ascent, while the seven powerful people represent the seven energies of the Enneagram.
The strangeness and absurdity of the film are what make it so memorable and provocative. The film is a challenge to our sense of reality and invites us to reflect on the meaning of life.
Salò, or the 120 Days of Sodom (1975)
Salò or the 120 Days of Sodom, directed by Pier Paolo Pasolini in 1975, is a strange and absurd film in which violence and depravity are represented in a crude and uncompromising way.
The film is set in Salo, Italy, during the Nazi occupation. Four depraved men, representing the four powers of government (political, economic, religious, and intellectual), kidnap a group of young men and women and imprison them in a villa. The four men, who call themselves the “principes,” subject their victims to torture and abuse of all kinds, in a crescendo of violence that culminates in a murderous frenzy.
The film was heavily criticized for its brutality and violence, so much so that Pasolini was accused of blasphemy and child pornography. However, the film is also an important and significant work, representing a fierce critique of human nature and the degeneration of society.
Some examples of strangeness and absurdity in the film:
- The four principes are grotesque and caricatured characters, representing the apocalyptic end of civilization.
- The torture and abuse to which the prisoners are subjected are of unprecedented violence, and often have a symbolic and allegorical character.
- The film is set in a decadent and gloomy villa, creating a surreal and disturbing atmosphere.
The film is certainly a difficult and disturbing experience, but it is also an important and provocative work that has left its mark on film history.
The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975)
The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975) is a strange and absurd musical comedy horror film that has gained a cult following for its campy humor, catchy songs, and groundbreaking portrayal of sexuality.
The film follows the misadventures of Brad Majors and Janet Weiss, a couple who find themselves stranded at a castle during a thunderstorm. They are greeted by Dr. Frank-N-Furter, a flamboyant and sexually liberated transvestite scientist who is working on creating the perfect man.
The film’s strangeness and absurdity come from its many unconventional elements:
- Campy humor: The film is filled with over-the-top performances, ridiculous costumes, and witty dialogue that is often self-referential and silly.
- Catchy songs: The film features a number of popular rock and roll songs, including “Sweet Transvestite,” “Time Warp,” and “I’m Going Home.”
- Groundbreaking portrayal of sexuality: The film was one of the first mainstream films to openly explore themes of sexuality, including homosexuality, cross-dressing, and promiscuity.
The film’s strangeness and absurdity have helped to make it a cult classic. Audiences have come to love the film’s sense of humor, its catchy songs, and its unconventional characters. The film has also been praised for its groundbreaking portrayal of sexuality, which helped to break down barriers and challenge traditional norms.
Eraserhead (1977)
Eraserhead (1977) is a strange and absurd experimental horror film written, directed, and edited by David Lynch. It is Lynch’s first feature film, made over the course of five years. The film is considered a cult classic and has been an influence on other filmmakers.
The film is set in a post-industrial industrial city where life is bleak and desolate. The protagonist, Henry Spencer, is a lonely and unhappy man who lives with his girlfriend, Mary X. The two have a child, but the child is a deformed and disturbing monster. Henry is forced to take care of the child, but it is too much of a test for him.
The film is a journey into nightmare and madness. Lynch creates a surreal and disturbing atmosphere, using strong and symbolic images. The film has been praised for its originality and its unique vision of reality.
Some elements that contribute to the strangeness and absurdity of the film include:
- The story is surreal and bizarre, with eccentric characters and unlikely situations.
- The atmosphere is bleak and disturbing, with strong and symbolic images.
- The film explores complex and nuanced themes such as fatherhood, fear of death, and the nature of reality.
Eraserhead is a film that does not leave anyone indifferent. It is a film that can be seen as a nightmare, a metaphor for modern society, or a simple portrait of human madness.
Liquid Sky (1982)
Liquid Sky (1982) is an avant-garde, science fiction, and psychological thriller film directed by Slava Tsukerman. It is a surreal and absurd film that explores themes of alienation, sexuality, and the nature of reality.
The film is set in a dystopian New York City in the 1980s. The protagonist, Natasha, is a model who works at a nightclub. She is introduced to a group of aliens who are studying human sexuality. The aliens are attracted to the energy released by humans during orgasm and they use Natasha to collect this energy.
The film is highly stylized and features a lot of nudity and violence. It is also very experimental in its use of sound and music. The overall effect is a jarring and unsettling experience.
Some elements that contribute to the strangeness and absurdity of the film include:
- The surreal and dreamlike atmosphere of the film.
- The eccentric and often grotesque characters.
- The convoluted and sometimes nonsensical plot.
- The graphic and often shocking violence.
- The campy and often hilarious dialogue.
The film is not for everyone, but it is a fascinating and thought-provoking work of art that will stay with you long after you see it.
Videodrome (1983)
Videodrome (1983) is a cult classic science fiction and body horror film directed by David Cronenberg. It stars James Woods, Sonja Smits, and Debbie Harry. The film is set in Toronto, Canada in the early 1980s, and follows the story of Max Renn, a TV station executive who is obsessed with finding new and disturbing programming.
Max stumbles upon a mysterious new broadcast called Videodrome, which features extreme violence and sadomasochistic content. As he watches the broadcasts, Max becomes increasingly obsessed with them and begins to experience strange hallucinations and physical changes.
Videodrome is a dark and disturbing film that explores the relationship between technology and human identity. It is also a warning about the dangers of excessive media consumption.
Here are some of the things that make Videodrome so strange and disturbing:
- The plot is complicated and convoluted, with surreal and dreamlike sequences.
- The characters are eccentric and often grotesque.
- The violence is graphic and disturbing.
- The film’s special effects are impressive and horrifying.
Videodrome is a thought-provoking and disturbing film that will stay with you long after you see it. It is a must-see for fans of Cronenberg and body horror.
Repo Man (1984)
Repo Man (1984) is a science fiction comedy-drama film directed by Alex Cox. It stars Emilio Estevez, Harry Dean Stanton, and Tracey Walter. The film is set in Los Angeles in 1984 and follows the story of Otto Maddox, a repo man working for a company that repossesses cars that are late on their payments.
Otto is a cynical and nihilistic young man who is disillusioned with society. He sees the world as a corrupt and meaningless place, and he takes pleasure in his job because it allows him to destroy other people’s possessions.
One day, Otto is assigned to repo a 1964 Chevy Malibu that is believed to be carrying a dangerous alien device. As he tries to repo the car, he becomes entangled in a series of strange and bizarre events.
Repo Man is a dark and humorous film that explores themes of alienation, identity, and the emptiness of consumer society. It is a cult classic that has been praised for its originality and unique style.
Here are some of the things that make Repo Man so strange and quirky:
- The plot is convoluted and bizarre, with unexpected twists and turns.
- The characters are eccentric and often grotesque.
- The dialogue is sharp and witty, with lots of quotable lines.
- The film’s punk aesthetic is memorable and distinctive.
Repo Man is a must-see for fans of Alex Cox, punk culture, and strange and offbeat films.
The Toxic Avenger (1984)
“The Toxic Avenger” (1984) is a cult horror-comedy B-movie directed by Lloyd Kaufman. The protagonist is Melvin Ferd the Third, a mild-mannered janitor who falls into a vat of toxic waste and transforms into a deformed and mutated monster.
Melvin works as a janitor in Tromaville, New Jersey, a corrupt and squalid town governed by a mayor more concerned with money than the well-being of its citizens. One day, while trying to stop a group of thugs harassing a woman, Melvin is pushed into a vat of toxic waste.
Upon emerging, Melvin has become The Toxic Avenger, a bulky monster with green skin, superhuman strength, and the ability to breathe toxic gas. He uses his powers to fight crime in Tromaville, protecting the innocent and taking down the corrupt forces controlling the city.
“The Toxic Avenger” is a violent and vulgar film not for the faint of heart. It is also extremely campy and over-the-top. However, it is also hilarious and entertaining, developing a cult following over the years.
Here are some reasons that make “The Toxic Avenger” so peculiar and bizarre:
- The plot is ridiculous and absurd.
- The characters are eccentric and often grotesque.
- The violence is excessive and graphic.
- The humor is dark and satirical.
Naked Lunch (1991)
Naked Lunch (1991) is a science fiction film and dark comedy directed by David Cronenberg, based on the eponymous novel by William S. Burroughs. The film stars Peter Weller, Ian Holm, Judy Davis, and Julian Sands.
The plot follows the story of William Lee, a bug exterminator living in New York in the 1950s. William is a man tormented by his drug addiction and repressed homosexuality. One day, he is arrested for drug possession and taken to the police station. There, he experiences a series of hallucinations where he encounters an alien secret agent.
After being released from the police station, William starts working for a group of secret agents who task him with finding an alien weapon. William’s quest leads him into a world of violence, depravity, and madness.
“Naked Lunch” is an experimental and provocative film that explores themes such as drugs, sexuality, violence, and the nature of reality. The film received mixed reviews but has developed a cult following over the years.
Here are some reasons that make “Naked Lunch” such a strange and bizarre film:
- The plot is convoluted and surreal, with scenes of violence and depravity that may be shocking to some viewers.
- The characters are eccentric and often grotesque.
- The imagery is often unsettling and disturbing.
- The dialogue is frequently surreal and incoherent.
Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me (1992)
“Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me” is a 1992 film directed by David Lynch and produced by Mark Frost. It serves as a prequel to the television series Twin Peaks (1990-1991), created by Frost and Lynch.
The film follows the last seven days of the life of Laura Palmer (Sheryl Lee), a popular high school student in the small town of Twin Peaks, Washington. The story focuses on her relationship with Bob (Frank Silva), a demonic entity that haunts her.
“Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me” is a dark and unsettling film that explores themes such as violence, drugs, sexuality, and evil. The film received mixed reviews but has developed a cult following over the years.
Here are some reasons that make “Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me” such a strange and bizarre film:
- The plot is convoluted and surreal, with scenes of violence and depravity that may be shocking to some viewers.
- The characters are eccentric and often grotesque.
- The imagery is often unsettling and disturbing.
- The dialogue is frequently surreal and incoherent.
Lost Highway (1997)
“Lost Highway” is a 1997 film directed by David Lynch. It is a modern film noir that explores themes such as identity, memory, and reality. The film features Bill Pullman, Patricia Arquette, Balthazar Getty, Robert Blake, and Robert Loggia in its cast.
The plot follows the story of Fred Madison, a jazz musician accused of murdering his wife, Renee. Fred is convicted and imprisoned but begins to suffer from visions and hallucinations. One night, Fred wakes up in a different body, that of a young mechanic named Pete Dayton. Pete is released from prison and starts working for a mob boss named Eddy.
“Lost Highway” is a complex and ambiguous film that has left audiences perplexed and intrigued. The film has been praised for its evocative imagery, use of music, and exploration of existential issues.
Here are some reasons why “Lost Highway” is considered such a strange and bizarre film:
- The plot is convoluted and surreal, with scenes of violence and depravity that may be shocking to some viewers.
- The characters are eccentric and often grotesque.
- The imagery is often unsettling and disturbing.
- The dialogue is frequently surreal and incoherent.
The Big Lebowski (1998)
“The Big Lebowski” is a 1998 film directed by Joel and Ethan Coen. It is a neo-noir comedy that follows the exploits of Jeff “The Dude” Lebowski, an unemployed hippie and avid bowler who is mistaken for a wealthy namesake billionaire.
The film stars Jeff Bridges, John Goodman, Steve Buscemi, Julianne Moore, and John Turturro.
The plot revolves around Jeff Lebowski, an unemployed bowler living in Los Angeles. One day, he is approached by two thugs who demand a ransom for the wife of the real Jeffrey Lebowski, a porn magnate. Jeff, who has no money, decides to seek help from his friend Walter Sobchak, a Vietnam War veteran who is equally unemployed and passionate about bowling.
“The Big Lebowski” is a humorous and irreverent film that has gained a global following. The film has been praised for its screenplay, direction, and the performances of the lead actors.
Here are some reasons why “The Big Lebowski” is considered such a strange and bizarre film:
- The plot is full of twists and surreal situations, such as character substitutions, the loss of jewelry, and a showdown with Nazis.
- The characters are eccentric and often grotesque, including Jeff Lebowski, an unemployed man who dresses in Hawaiian shirts and smokes marijuana; Walter Sobchak, a Vietnam War veteran obsessed with violence; and Donnie, Walter’s brother-in-law, a shy and anxious man.
- The humor is often surreal and provocative, with jokes that may be offensive or incomprehensible to some viewers.
Mulholland Drive (2001)
“Mulholland Drive” (2001) is a film directed by David Lynch. It is a psychological neo-noir that explores themes such as dreams, memory, and reality. The film features Naomi Watts, Laura Harring, Justin Theroux, Ann Miller, and Robert Forster in its cast.
The plot follows the story of Betty Elms, a young aspiring actress who arrives in Los Angeles with dreams of making it in the film industry. Betty encounters Rita, a woman with amnesia who has lost her memory due to an accident. The two women become friends and help each other reconstruct Rita’s past.
“Mulholland Drive” is a complex and ambiguous film that has left audiences perplexed and fascinated. The film has been praised for its evocative imagery, use of music, and exploration of existential issues.
Here are some reasons why “Mulholland Drive” is considered such a strange and bizarre film:
- The plot is full of twists and surreal situations, such as Rita’s memory loss, the discovery of a mystery, and the ambiguous ending.
- The characters are eccentric and often grotesque, including Betty Elms, a naive and dreamy young aspiring actress; Rita, a woman with amnesia trying to uncover her past; and Diane Selwyn, a frustrated actress dreaming of a different life.
- The imagery is often unsettling and disturbing, with scenes of violence, depravity, and madness that can be shocking to some viewers.
- The dialogue is often surreal and incoherent, with exchanges that may be challenging to follow and understand.
A Scanner Darkly (2006)
“A Scanner Darkly” (2006) is a psychological neo-noir science fiction thriller adapted from Philip K. Dick’s 1977 novel of the same name. Directed by Richard Linklater and starring Keanu Reeves, Robert Downey Jr., Winona Ryder, and Woody Harrelson, the film uses rotoscoped animation to depict the characters and settings, giving it a dreamlike and surreal quality.
The film follows the story of Bob Arctor, an undercover narcotics officer participating in a drug surveillance program that exposes him to the dangerous and addictive substance “Substance D.” As Arctor becomes increasingly addicted to the drug, his mental health begins to deteriorate, and he struggles to distinguish between reality and hallucination.
“A Scanner Darkly” is a complex and thought-provoking film that explores themes of addiction, paranoia, and identity. The film’s rotoscoped animation style is both innovative and effective, creating a unique and immersive experience for the audience.
Here are some reasons why “A Scanner Darkly” is considered such a strange and bizarre film:
- The plot is full of twists and surreal situations, such as the drug surveillance program, Arctor’s addiction, and the confusion between reality and hallucination.
- The characters are eccentric and often grotesque, including Arctor, a struggling undercover cop battling addiction and paranoia; Barris, a drug dealer who is also a police informant; and Luckman, a drug addict who is delusional and paranoid.
- The imagery is often unsettling and disturbing, with scenes of violence, addiction, and mental illness. These scenes can be disturbing for some viewers.
- The dialogue is often surreal and incoherent, with exchanges that may be challenging to follow or understand.
Being John Malkovich (2009)
“Being John Malkovich” (1999) is a film directed by Spike Jonze and starring John Cusack, Cameron Diaz, Catherine Keener, and John Malkovich.
The film follows the story of Craig Schwartz, an unemployed puppeteer who discovers a secret portal that leads into the mind of the actor John Malkovich. Craig and his lover Lotte decide to exploit this discovery for their gain, but soon realize that the consequences of this revelation are more than they bargained for.
“Being John Malkovich” is a surreal and bizarre film that explores themes such as identity, control, and madness. The film has been praised for its originality, screenplay, and performances.
Here are some reasons why “Being John Malkovich” is considered such a strange and bizarre film:
The plot is full of twists and surreal situations, such as the secret portal leading into John Malkovich’s mind.
The characters are eccentric and often grotesque, including Craig Schwartz, an unemployed puppeteer obsessed with cinema; Lotte Schwartz, his lover who is a dancer and an artist; Maxine Lund, John Malkovich’s wife who is a film producer; and John Malkovich, a famous actor who is a narcissist and selfish.
The humor is often surreal and provocative, with jokes that may be offensive or incomprehensible to some viewers.
Inception (2009)
“Inception” (2009) is a sci-fi action thriller film written, directed, and produced by Christopher Nolan. The film stars Leonardo DiCaprio as Dom Cobb, a professional thief who steals corporate secrets by entering the subconscious minds of his targets. Cobb is hired by a wealthy businessman, Saito, to implant an idea into the mind of his competitor’s heir. [Image of the Inception (2009) movie poster]
The film follows Cobb and his team of specialists as they dive into multiple levels of dreams, each more dangerous than the last. They must navigate through a highly unstable dream landscape while avoiding the “projections” of their subconscious.
“Inception” is a complex and ambitious film that explores themes of memory, identity, and reality. It is praised for its innovative visuals, intricate plot, and thought-provoking themes.
Here are some reasons why “Inception” is considered such a strange and extravagant film:
- The plot is full of twists and surreal situations: The technology of dream-sharing and the multiple levels of dreams add elements of unpredictability and complexity to the plot.
- The characters are eccentric and often grotesque: From Cobb, a troubled thief haunted by his past, to Arthur, an expert extractor and Cobb’s trusted confidant, to Ariadne, a young architect helping Cobb design dreams, to Eames, an expert forger who can impersonate people in dreams.
- The film is visually stunning and surreal: Scenes that are often confusing and disorienting contribute to creating a dreamlike and extraordinary atmosphere.
The Lobster (2015)
“The Lobster” (2015) is a dystopian dark comedy-drama film written and directed by Yorgos Lanthimos. The film stars Colin Farrell, Rachel Weisz, Léa Seydoux, Ben Whishaw, John C. Reilly, Olivia Colman, Ashley Jensen, Roger Ashton-Griffiths, Michael Smiley, Ariane Labed, and Angeliki Papoulia. [Image of “The Lobster” (2015) movie poster]
Set in a dystopian future, the film revolves around single individuals who are brought to a hotel and given 45 days to find a romantic partner. If they fail, they are transformed into an animal of their choice.
“The Lobster” is a strange and surreal film that explores themes of love, loss, and conformity. It is praised for its dark humor, sharp social commentary, and its original and unsettling vision of the future.
Here are some reasons why “The Lobster” is considered such a strange and extravagant film:
- The plot is full of twists and absurd situations: Such as the single individuals being brought to a hotel and the rule that they must find a partner within 45 days or be transformed into an animal.
- The characters are eccentric and often grotesque: Including David, a man desperate to find a partner to avoid being transformed into an animal, and the hotel director, who is cold and calculating.
- The film is visually captivating and unsettling: Scenes are often dark and claustrophobic, contributing to the film’s eerie atmosphere.
I Am Nothing (2015)
Vasco, a 74-year-old Roman entrepreneur, has achieved a state of great wealth thanks to his connivance with local criminal organizations. He lives a luxurious life full of vices, apparently far from a tragic epilogue.
One day, he receives a call from a shady individual who offers him a meeting at the “usual place”, a beach on the Lazio coast. He encounters an ambush, is rescued at the last minute and saves himself, but falls into a coma for three long years. When he awakens, he discovers that he has completely lost his memory and begins to communicate with trees, revealing a deep connection with nature.
“I am nothing,” is a strange and absurd film that contaminates the thriller with existential themes and experimental cinema. Written, directed and produced by Fabio Del Greco, it presents itself as an existential drama focused on time, memory and oblivion. The film reflects on the ego in a Rome that becomes the mirror of the problems of the contemporary world.
The story of the Roman “building owner”, played by Vasco Montez, invites us to reflect on greed, the lust for power, innocence and purity in a society influenced by mafia logic, crime and cronyism.
The Killing of a Sacred Deer (2017)
“Il sacrificio del cervo sacro” (2017) is a psychological drama directed by Yorgos Lanthimos and features Colin Farrell, Nicole Kidman, Raffey Cassidy, Barry Keoghan, and Sunny Suljic.
The film follows the story of Steven Murphy, a renowned neurosurgeon leading an idyllic life with his wife Anna, a noted ophthalmologist, and their two teenage children, Kim and Bob. However, everything changes when Martin, a lonely teenager who recently lost his father, infiltrates their lives.
“Il sacrificio del cervo sacro” is a strange and unsettling film that explores themes such as guilt, sacrifice, and redemption. It has been praised for its direction, screenplay, and performances.
Here are some reasons why “Il sacrificio del cervo sacro” is considered such a strange and unsettling film:
- The plot is full of twists and surreal situations: Such as the relationship between Steven and Martin and Martin’s request for Steven to sacrifice one of his children.
- The characters are eccentric and often grotesque: Steven is portrayed as a man so obsessed with control that he is willing to sacrifice everything, including his own child.
- The film has a dark and unsettling tone: Scenes are often violent and disturbing, contributing to the overall eerie atmosphere of the film.
The Favourite (2018)
“The Favourite” (2018) is a historical drama film directed by Yorgos Lanthimos and stars Olivia Colman, Emma Stone, and Rachel Weisz. The film is set in 18th-century England and follows the story of Queen Anne, a fragile and unstable woman ruled by her friend and confidante, Lady Sarah. When a young and ambitious servant, Abigail, arrives at the court, she begins to manipulate the queen to gain her favor.
“The Favourite” is a complex and ambiguous film that explores themes such as power, ambition, and loyalty. It has been praised for its performances, direction, and screenplay.
Here are some reasons why “The Favourite” is considered such a complex and ambiguous film:
- The plot is full of twists and unpredictable turns: Such as Abigail’s arrival and her growing influence over the queen.
- The characters are complex and multifaceted: Queen Anne is portrayed as a fragile and unstable woman, while Lady Sarah is a calculating and determined character.
- The film has an ambiguous and nuanced tone: It does not provide easy answers to the questions it poses, leaving the audience to interpret the characters’ motivations and actions.
The Grin and the Cow (2020)
The Grin and the Cow, the first work of the eclectic and visionary musician Fabio Nicosia, presents itself as a strange and absurd film with an independent slant. The project explores the intricate journey of childhood imagination, transformed and transmigrated through the various stages of individual existence. The shadows, ghosts and fears, initially tamed but never completely eliminated, return in dreams, creating a surreal and dreamlike atmosphere.
The musical adventure proposed by Nicosia is described as an extraordinary experience, characterized by scenarios coming from the imagination, the unconscious, past reality and fiction. The film unfolds as a kind of poetic journey, addressing conventional trends with an arrhythmic narrative. The work is defined as an “elan vital” of Bergsonian memory, an invitation to profound reflection and introspection.
In the artistic context, film embraces different disciplines and forms, including music, painting, photography, dance and theatre. These arts collaborate synergistically, sometimes in a sweetly violent way, contributing to the creation of a unique work of art, closely linked to the vision and personality of the author. The music, in particular, magically blends with highly evocative images, interpreted by the actors who, free from rigid scripts, let themselves be guided by the spontaneity of the moment.
“The Grin and the Cow” is therefore configured as a cinematic experience that challenges conventions, exploring the intricate link between imagination, memory and art in a poetic journey through surreally visionary worlds.
The Sands (2022)
“Los Arenas” is a dystopian science fiction film by Noah Paganotto, produced in Argentina in 2022.
In an unspecified location on our planet, during an unknown period, Zoilo shares his existence with his family, immersed in a desolate landscape surrounded by ruins. They live without roots, devoid of maternal figures, aware that pregnancy for women represents a kind of death sentence. Their only collective routine is to preserve the vital flame.
An avant-garde film that slowly burns in its first part, then unveils in the second the profound conflicts of a family imprisoned in archaic beliefs. It is a dystopian and visionary work, characterized by extraordinary cinematography and images of rare intensity that allow us to grasp the depth of the narrative and its poetic potential.
The faces of the actors, especially that of the young protagonist, are remarkably impactful. Los Arenas metaphorically represents our world: an alienated society where what sustains us is demonized and associated with death. In contrast to the fast-paced typical mainstream film, Los Arenas unfolds as a meditative journey into the depths of images.
