Death is a dream: Placing Abre los ojos in a Spanish tradition

Author: Knollmueller, Marit

Source: Studies in European Cinema, Volume 6, Numbers 2-3, December 2009 , pp. 203-214(12)

Publisher: Intellect

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Abstract:

This article challenges the prevalent perception of Amenbar's films as popular entertainment more indebted to Hollywood than to Spanish cultural traditions. Through a case study of Abre los ojos (1997) it demonstrates that the film manifests oneirism in a manner consistent with the long-standing traditions employed by dominant figures of Spanish literature and drama (e.g. Cervantes, Caldern de la Barca, Valle-Incln). The aesthetics Amenbar employs to represent dreams can also be read as a development from the Spanish surrealist aesthetics of Lus Buuel and Salvador Dal and stand in contrast to conventional modes established in Hollywood.

Keywords: Amenbar; surrealism; oneirism; Spanish literature; Cervantes; Caldern de la Barca

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1386/seci.6.2-3.203/1

Affiliations: 1: Independent Scholar

Publication date: 2009-12-01

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Studies in European Cinema provides an outlet for research into any aspect of European cinema and is unique in its interdisciplinary nature, celebrating the rich and diverse cultural heritage across the continent. The journal is distinctive in bringing together a range of European cinemas in one volume and in its positioning of the discussions within a range of contexts - the cultural, historical, textual, and many others.
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