film directed by Jan Švankmajer

“Les Chimères des Švankmajer” takes an in depth look at both of the Švankmajers as they work on the full length film “Little Otik”.Shot during the making of Švankmajer 's foruth feature "Little Otik"(2000) and the creation of the touring exhibition "Anima Anumus Animation"(1998), this french documentray depicts the creative partnership of Jan and Eva Švankmajer across multiple media.

Jan Švankmajer at 85 years of age is one of the most prominent artists of European cinema. His work has inspired and guided generations of directors, and his work represents a sharp and merciless exploration of human nature which is entirely unique. When Švankmajer decided to stop filming after Insect (2018), his producer suggested that the creative processes which ferment within their film company Athanor should be preserved on film.
Over three years, the directors followed the life of Jan Švankmajer, elucidating his artistic principles, as well as his collaboration with old friend and producer Jaromír Kallista. The film is also haunted by the memory of Eva Švankmajerová, his wife and creative partner, muse and inseparable other half. Alchemical Furnace is shot on various film formats in combination with found footage. Playful and poetic, candid and with a touch of Czech humour, it is an ode to creation and to companionship.

本片是介绍捷克电影史上最具创意和影响力的导演之一杨•史云梅耶的纪录片。史云梅耶被人称为“超现实主义大师”和“动画片大师”，他极富想象力和创造力的动画片更是被誉为“黑暗超现实主义”的经典Cult片。史云梅耶1934年出生于布拉格，在1964年制作了他的首部动画短片《最后伎俩》，并于1970年加入捷克超现实主义艺术团体。他受到“童年”和“梦”的影响非常之大，在他的很多部动画片中都得以体现。本部纪录片以他经典的动画短片入手，向我们讲述史云梅耶对于超现实主义的理解和看法，以及他创作的动画片背后的政治意象。
《纽约客》曾这样评价这位动画界的泰山北斗：影迷被分成了两类，一类是从来没有听说过杨•史云梅耶的，一类是看过他的作品并知道自己遇到了天才的。

Various objects are having a sunny outing together in the nature.

A man takes up residence with a mysterious marquis and is soon persuaded to enter into an asylum for preventative therapy. Things are not what they seem, and the marquis may be even more sinister than what the young man might have predicted.