Tuesday, May 8, 2018

Prague animation - Karel Zeman's The Fabulous Baron Munchausen (please note the modified program - a feature by Zeman will be shown in place of selected shorts due to technical issues)

Presented by the UC Center for Film and Media Studies

Doors at 7:00 PM, Screening at 7:30 PM
@ The Mini Microcinema - 1329 Main St.

The Fabulous Baron Munchausen (1961, Czechoslovakia)
In 1961, Karel Zeman created the finest film adaptation of the outlandish tales of Baron Munchausen, made famous in the 1786 book by Gottfried August Bürger. The incredible adventures of the bragging Baron come to life in a film celebrating the courage and imagination of dreamers and poets.

Zeman took inspiration from the engravings in the 1862 edition, the work one of the greatest illustrators of the 19th century Gustav Doré. The director achieved a visually captivating style by color-tinting the original black and white footage.

In the movie, a groundbreaking combination of live action, animation and puppetry, Munchausen's humorous narrative contrasts with the romantic tale of a modern fantasistTony, who becomes the good Baron's rival in love. In addition to Milos Kopecky in the title role the film features the Czech acting élite of the day.

The film won many international awards, including in Cannes and Locarno. Terry Gilliam admits that his 1988 film “The Adventures of Baron Munchausen” was primarily inspired by the Zeman’s version.

Free with $5 suggested donation.