Watch Street of Crocodiles

Street of Crocodiles is a spellbinding film adaptation by the Brothers Quay of the short story entitled “The Street of Crocodiles” written by Bruno Schulz. Released in 1986, the movie tells the story of a maverick Jewish family living in an insipid suburbia in Galicia, Poland before the outbreak of the Second World War. This exceptional film is a must-see for anyone interested in experimental movies and stop-motion animation.

The movie follows the story of the imaginative and sensitive Joseph Szwarc, played by Feliks Stawinski who is struggling with the mundanity of his life. We are introduced to Joseph as he is about to embark on a journey of discovery that will unlock the secrets of his home and reveal the true nature of the street on which he lives.

Street of Crocodiles is a unique viewing experience as the movie is not structured as a conventional narrative. Instead, the story is conveyed through a series of mesmerizing tableaux vivants, which feel like scenes taken from a dream. The film is awash with a surrealist atmosphere that feels other-worldly and ethereal at times.

The Brothers Quay employ a stop-motion animation technique which adds a layer of mystic and intrigue to the film. The camera glides slowly across the scenes, and the objects and buildings look as if they have a life of their own. Joseph wanders through the house, and the ornate wall decorations, the cobwebbed interiors, and the antique toys come to life in front of us. The movie presents a world where the ordinary is made extraordinary.

The film is strongest when it is using visual symbolism to drive home its themes, but the sound design is also a standout feature of the movie. The creaky floorboards and haunting soundscapes create an eerie and unsettling environment. Sounds that could be jarring in other contexts such as scuttling cockroaches and the piercing scream of a train whistle are turned into emotionally evocative elements in the movie.

Despite its unconventional narrative structure and visual style, Street of Crocodiles is never frustratingly opaque. The film is a quiet meditation on memory and nostalgia, and the ability of the mind to reshape reality through recollection. There are moments of levity sprinkled throughout the movie, but they are always fleeting and serve mainly to contrast with the melancholy and wistful mood that prevails.

The film is elevated by the performance of Feliks Stawinski, who portrays Joseph with a delicate mix of childlike innocence and profound sadness. We see Joseph slowly losing touch with reality, and the fear that he will never find his way back to the normal world is palpable.

Street of Crocodiles is a cinematic achievement that should be celebrated for its beauty, creativity, and originality. The movie is a true masterpiece of stop-motion animation, and it stands as a testament to the power of experimental filmmaking. It is an ambitious movie that takes on complex philosophical themes with grace and finesse, and it is a testament to the staggering talent of the Brothers Quay.

In conclusion, Street of Crocodiles is an artistic and excellent film that is both pleasing to the eye and stimulating to the mind. It is a testament to the human spirit's ability to find wonder in the most commonplace things of life, and it showcases how art can inspire and elevate even the most unsatisfying existence. If you haven't had a chance to watch this movie, grab a copy and settle in for an extraordinary cinematic experience.