“Sanatorium Under the Sign of the Hourglass”, interview with directors Quay Brothers

In a engaging interview, the Quay Brothers, renowned directors, share their insights on their latest film in the Giornate degli Autori section, “Sanatorium Under the Sign of the Hourglass”, which draws profoundly from the writings of Bruno Schulz. The brothers elucidate that Schulz’s work, rich in its intricate blending of reality and fantasy, resonates deeply with them. They find inspiration in Schulz’s ability to evoke a dreamlike quality, which allows them to create a narrative that is both eerily familiar and beautifully surreal, mirroring the worlds Schulz crafted in his literary works.

The dichotomy between reality and the dream

The Quay Brothers highlight their unique technique of integrating puppetry with live-action, which vividly depicts Jozef’s journey through a labyrinth of memories and visions. This artistic choice reflects the dichotomy between reality and the dream state—one of the central themes in Schulz’s narrative. By employing puppets, they embody the concepts of transformation and fragmentation, core aspects of Jozef’s inner turmoil. As Schulz manipulates time and memory, the brothers manipulate physical forms, enhancing the viewer’s experience and reflection on overlapping realities.

The background for Quay Brothers’ style

Reflecting on their artistic evolution, the Quay Brothers credit their formal education at the Philadelphia College of Art and the Royal College of Art as foundational to their distinctive storytelling style. Their educational background provided them with a robust foundation in visual arts and design, encouraging experimentation beyond conventional narrative structures. Influenced by literary figures like Schulz and Kafka, they strive to create films that challenge traditional perceptions and push the boundaries of storytelling.

The metaphor of the ‘optical box’

A notable element in “Sanatorium Under the Sign of the Hourglass” is the inclusion of an ‘optical box.’ The Quay Brothers explain that this object serves as a powerful metaphor for perception itself. It embodies the idea of looking beyond the surface—a recurring theme in Schulz’s work. As Jozef interacts with the Optical Box, he confronts his inner self and delves deep into the layers of memories that shape his identity. The poignant connection between the box and loss, echoed through the imagery of containing the deceased retina of its owner, aligns seamlessly with Schulz’s exploration of the haunting presence of the past.

The narrating music

Music is another cornerstone in the Quay Brothers‘ creative process. They describe music as a character within their films, instrumental in creating an emotional landscape that elevates the visual storytelling. Composers such as Karlheinz Stockhausen and Krzysztof Penderecki enhance the narrative depth in their projects. In the case of Schulz’s writing, rich with rhythm and nuance, music adds another layer of complexity, resonating with the multi-faceted experiences contained within both Schulz’s literary works and their film.

The concepts of memory and identity

The conversation also touches on how their films seamlessly traverse various artistic realms, from theatre to live-action, which allows for an evolution that aligns with the themes of memory and identity found in Schulz’s writings. The Quay Brothers emphasize that their work will continually evolve, promising to delve deeper into how memories shape realities and identities, reflecting Schulz’s fragmented narrative style.

In conclusion, the Quay Brothers express their gratitude for the opportunity to discuss the intertwining of literature and film. By drawing from Bruno Schulz’s rich narratives, they illuminate new paths for understanding both his literature and their artistic vision. The exploration of themes such as memory and identity not only pays homage to Schulz but also enriches their filmmaking.

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