Director: Juan Solanas
Fr/2003/18mins/35mm/color
THE MAN WITHOUT A HEAD (L'HOMME SANS
TÊTE) is one of the most outstanding short film
debuts of recent years. Made over 4 years by Juan
Solanas, who previously worked as a cinematographer,
it's not only visually and technically accomplished,
but also sensitively drawn - a great example of how a
short can be every bit as entertaining and moving as a
feature. The film won a raft of awards around the world
including the Jury Prize at the 2003 Cannes Film
Festival and France's leading award, the César.
An ordinary room overlooking a vast industrial
landscape. In the distance, the ocean as far as the
eye can see. With a nostalgic air, the man without
a head dances with lively steps. A bow tie is tied.
A photograph, with a dazzling look from the one
he loves. He prepares himself for the romantic
rendezvous. Tonight, he will declare his love. For
such an occasion, he shall buy a head.
"We're living in a period where cinema is
a product; movies are becoming more
and more commercialized. Short films
are one of the last real places for artistic
freedom - they're important to celebrate
just for that." Juan Solanas
Commentary by Juan Solanas, recorded in Paris, France
Courtesy of Onyx Films
