The Quay Brothers on Their Twenty-Year Journey Creating Sanatorium Under the Sign of the Hourglass

      One of the most fulfilling aspects of falling in love with a film is discovering all the influences that shaped it. What books, plays, music, and artworks contributed to this piece of art that I am experiencing? The inspirations of those who inspire you can often usher you into a realm of wonder—a sense of discovery that holds great significance.

      After viewing the Quay Brothers' 1985 animated short, Street of Crocodiles, in my film class, I became enthralled by both the filmmakers and Bruno Schulz. Schulz was the Polish author whose short story “The Street of Crocodiles” served as the basis for the Quay Brothers' film. My admiration for Schulz’s writing deepened my appreciation for Franz Kafka, which subsequently led me to Orson Welles’ adaptation of The Trial, and so on. This pattern continued with every Quay Brothers film I experienced. Their stop-motion animation and design sensibility broadened my creative horizons, while their inspirations enriched my intellectual pursuits. It truly is a gift that continues to give.

      Four decades later, the brothers have once again adapted Schulz’s work with Sanatorium Under the Sign of the Hourglass, which is based on the 1937 novel of the same name and marks their first feature film in twenty years. In anticipation of KimStim's theatrical release starting this Friday at NYC’s Film Forum, I had the privilege of having the Quay Brothers respond to interview questions via email regarding their new film and their overall body of work. As expected, their answers are thorough, passionate, and ambitious, articulated in beautifully intricate language.

      You can read the interview below or here.

      Sanatorium Under the Sign of the Hourglass opens in theaters on Friday, August 29. Learn more here.