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Rating: 
Summary: Surreal Art Made Real
Review: Finally reaching a broad audience with his first feature length film, Alice, in 1988 and later with Faust in 1995, this filmmaker has gained his due attention. Dubbed the Animator of Prague, Jan Svankmajer ranks as perhaps the most prominent member of the Czechoslovakian Surrealists.Peter Hames has studied Svankmajer's art for many years and brought his store of knowledge to bear as editor of this collection of well-written essays. Most of the essays focus on Svankmajer's development as a surrealist and, to a lesser extent, a mannerist. Also, they explore his use of tactile objects and the concepts that undergird their use. For the person exploring the foundations of Svankmajer's art, this book is indispensable. Hames includes an interview he conducted over several sessions with Svankmajer that is particularly illuminating, especially since English translations of Svankmajer's words are few and far between. Svankmajer speaks candidly about his place in the history of Surreal art, his personal theory of artistic creation, and the state of art in Europe. One article within the book will challenge even the practiced reader. Frankly, this particular article possesses a density and obscurity that might make better sense if left untranslated. If you are as fascinated with Svankmajer as I, purchase this book. If you are a casual fan, you might want to explore other sources before buying this one.
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