La Cravate

Based on the novella The Transposed Heads by Thomas Mann, Les tetes interverties (also known as La Cravate) is the story of a merchant who helps a young man find love through some very strange means. Written for the screen, directed, and starring Alejandro Jodorowsky, the twenty-minute short film is a surrealist take on Mann’s story told largely through mime. Also starring Raymond Devos, Saul Gilbert, Marthe Mercury, and Margot Loyola. Les tetes interverties is a whimsical and delightful short film from Alejandro Jodorowsky.

The film is a simple story of a young man trying to woo a woman yet he is unsuccessful until he meets a merchant who will help but through means that are very controversial as it relates to severed heads. It’s a film that knows what it is as well as not be afraid to be silly as Alejandro Jodorowsky takes a story that is odd and macabre but make it enjoyable. Jodorowsky’s script doesn’t have any dialogue but it does play into this young man wanting to impress a woman but is continuously unsuccessful as he tries to put on different heads to win her over. Jodorowsky’s direction definitely emphasizes a lot of mime performance where the actors, including Jodorowsky as the lead role, express themselves physically while being playful in their performance.

Many of the compositions are simple where Jodorowsky’s usage of close-ups and medium shots play into whimsy nature of the film as well as the elements of surrealism. With the aid of editor Saul Gilbert in providing some straightforward cutting and some playful rhythms as it add to the visual presentation. Even the costumes by Ruth Michelly add to the film’s very low-budget but offbeat look as well as Edgar Bischoff’s music score that help maintain that sense of whimsy and charm. Overall, Jodorowsky creates a quirky yet enjoyable short film about a man trying to win over a girl.

Les tetes interverties is an excellent short film from Alejandro Jodorowsky. The film is a strange yet enjoyable film that play into Jodorowsky’s approach to surrealism as it marks as an early achievement for the famed cult filmmaker. In the end, Les tetes interverties is a brilliant film from Alejandro Jodorowsky.


Alejandro Jodorowsky Films: Teatro sin fin - Fando y Lis - El Topo - The Holy Mountain - Tusk (1980 film) - Santa Sangre - The Rainbow Thief - The Dance of Reality - Endless Poetry - Psychomagic: a Healing Art

Related: Jodorowsky's Dune - The Auteurs #59: Alejandro Jodorowsky

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