Alchemical Furnace (2020)
Jan Svankmajer, 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 represents a sharp and merciless exploration of human nature which is entirely unique. When he decided to retire from filmmaking after "Insect" (2018), his producer suggested that the creative processes which ferment within their company Athanor should be preserved on film. Over three years, the directors of this documentary followed the life of Jan Svankmajer, 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 Svankmajerová, his wife and creative partner, muse and inseparable other half. Playful and poetic, candid and with a touch of Czech humour, it is an ode to creation and to companionship.
Watch Trailer
Cast
Reviews
Instead, you get a movie that's enjoyable enough, but leaves you feeling like it could have been much, much more.
A film of deceptively outspoken contemporary relevance, this is cinema at its most alert, alarming and alive.
There is, somehow, an interesting story here, as well as some good acting. There are also some good scenes
All of these films share one commonality, that being a kind of emotional center that humanizes a cast of monsters.