Autoportrait d’un schizophrène
A document of the mental universe of a schizophrenic, played by an actor.
Eric Duvivier
Casts & Crew
Also Directed by Eric Duvivier
On the mental images produced by those subject to certain psychotropic substances.
Images du monde visionnaire is an essential work in the Sandoz "artistic" portfolio for several reasons: it stands out thanks to its experimental form, nevertheless it is the daring subject of the film and the director's approach that makes the work unique. The film attempts to capture the altered state of consciousness of fine artist and writer Henri Michaux after taking mescaline and hashish. Michaux actively cooperated on the film as revealed in its prologue where Michaux comments on his psychedelic experiences. Also worth noting is the design of the film which uses Michaux's own drawings and surreal scenes evoking unusual states of consciousness.
Surrealist short film of images viewed to a surrealist poem by Max Ernst.
Egon Bondy (Zbyněk Fišer) was a poet, philosopher, Marxist, and important figure in 20th-century history. This well-known Prague prominent, who in his heyday famously lived on Nerudova Street, is noted for having led a double life: serving as an informant and frequent collaborator for the state police while also maintaining his position as an influential personality in the Czechoslovak underground. His legacy still carries with it a number of ambiguities, controversies, and prejudices. Some still demand he be condemned for his “ratting on the righteous.” Others stress the importance of his philosophical work, despite his seditious existence. The image of Egon Bondy in this documentary gives a playful nod to this ambivalent interpretation. Creators are frequently attracted to his powerful personality and still work to understand his complex worldview.