How to learn to understand surrrealism? Arthouse films?

Question

for example, how do u understand the plot and ideas of Un Chien Andalou by Dahli as a script writer and Louis Bunel as a director?

Answer 1

There is no understanding the film Un Chien Andalou, nor is there a plot, it is just a series of shocking images. It uses dream logic that can be described in terms of Freudian free association, presenting a series of tenuously related scenes that attempt to shock the viewer. It is a surrealist film that contains elements of surprise, unexpected juxtapositions and non sequitur (which is a something, due to its lack of meaning relative to the comment it follows, is absurd to the point of being humorous or confusing.) Therefore it is not supposed to be understood. You are supposed to draw your own conclusions and assumptions from what you see.

In spite of varying interpretations, Buñuel made clear throughout his writings that, between Dalí and himself, the only rule for the writing of the script was that "no idea or image that might lend itself to a rational explanation of any kind would be accepted." Moreover, he stated that, "Nothing, in the film, symbolizes anything. The only method of investigation of the symbols would be, perhaps, psychoanalysis."

The only thing you can hope to do is take film and art classes and read up on as much as you can about surrealism, but their is no universal understanding of surrealist art, that is why it is surreal.

Answer 2

Surrealism is something which is above realism, that you cannot understand by thinking about it one time. You might not even be able to understand it at all, no matter how much time you put into it. There is no superior guideline which you should follow to truely understand all surreal work.

In reality, you reference points, like common sense or laws. In surrealism, there are none. This is why you no one can say "now I have understood surrealism".

Answer 3

Open your mind.

Burn your Zen books.

Offer to let your imaginary cat play with someone else's imaginary friend.