Art, Truth & Authoritarianism

[@5UM0N3]

Came for the cat in sunglasses, stayed for the cat who wears sunglasses

[@dagtheking5739]

What are those sunglasses called?

[@plank311]

Same2x

[@DamanHillard]

The cat with sunglasses sees into our souls yet remains unimpressed... 😮

[@konkon3955]

I am a Czech and i totally did not know that this movie exists, really interesting. From this period i must recomend the movie called "The Cremator" it is absolute gem and i would totally love to see your video about it.

[@barrymoore4470]

Though released in Czechoslovakia in 1963 (and even being shown at Cannes that year), American critic Jonathan Rosenbaum asserts that 'The Cassandra Cat' was banned for some period during the Communist regime, so I'm not sure how widely it was known to Czech citizens after its initial exposure.

[@konkon3955]

@@barrymoore4470 Oh yes that is true a lot of movies were banned and locked up until revolution.

[@davidw.2791]

This movie became viral “in the west” because someone tweeted about meeting the director in some kind of moviemaking course and the man talked about creative freedom using this film as an example of him getting to flex the muscles. ❤

[@THE0ABOSHADY]

There's a beautiful exchange in the movie between Olive and the Magician: -And what are you doing? = I'm trying to cultivate children's fantasy - what a fragile flower! Withering with vanishing childhood. I'd call it something like a non-resistant annual flower = Well, I'm trying to cultivate a resistant perennial from it I read it as, all children are inherently artists, with wide curiosity and imagination, but this flower is short lived, only a few of those children remain artists once they grow. the hope in the film therefore is, for these artists to "remain" artists once they get older

[@ulti-mantis]

The conclusion I reached years ago is that, using the movie's metaphor, this flower isn't necessarily short lived, but it is poisoned, pruned and eventually crushed by it's environment (society and culture), with only a few stubborn and/or lucky enough to survive.

[@marketarainerova9935]

I really enjoyed the parts about autority and generational gap! I’m czech and during these times there were altogether a lot of movies (and plays) that were secretly criticizing and standing up to the regime - but of course they had to be clever about disguising it. In my opinion, the Czechoslovak New Wave was one of the best film eras in our history. Thank you for making this video, I really loved your analysis ❤️

[@remcunha4446]

THIS IS LITERALY MY FAVORITE MOVIE!!! Most unexpected notification fr

[@TheCanvasArtHistory]

It became my favorite movie too!!!

[@ozymandiasultor9480]

This old Czechoslovakian movie is your favorite movie? It is a strange movie, but such were and are many Czechoslovakian movies.

[@tohawk30]

I think an important element you forgot to mention about antiauthoritarianism and the generational gap is the radicalization of the gossiping woman of the town that happens in the background of the film. When faced by the cat as a liar her actions throughout the movie change radically. Throughout the movie she has access to local information thus having a connection with the truth, as seen when she hears that the cat is in the forest, she does not tell the authorities but Oliva. She joins the schoolclass in their search and literally shields the children as they protest. In the end when faced by the cat she is joyfully dancing as a blue woman before turning bright red.

[@thenewongoam2486]

This film was my favorite Czech film of all time.

[@mrmikejsteele]

When I watch the effects in this film, they are obviously not to modern CGI standards, but I was impressed over and over by the filmmakers’ problem-solving. A viewer today can trace their process on-screen. This reminded me-or maybe even came from-your inclusion of your process in the video. The larger themes mentioned are more important, but I just wanted to note that your segments added to the charm here. Fascinating piece!

[@Yatukih_001]

They wanted to make it for the audience instead of making it just for its director and they made sure that it would begin with an introduction. So many modern day movies fail to begin with a clear and simple introduction. So it followed the same formula as I, Frankenstein did. The film is why I do not vote socialist organisations to represent my country. I want to vote people who are actually interested in helping those in need.

[@barrymoore4470]

This is my favorite Czech film among the relative few I've seen. Really impressive, especially coming from 1963, when what came to be known as the Czechoslovak New Wave was still very much in its infancy. It's a children's fantasy film that is just as relevant to adult audiences, with a coded subversive message that remains as pertinent today as it ever was. A true classic that is slowly earning its due recognition outside the Czech lands.

[@britfox7766]

This was the first Czech film I've ever seen.

[@laanguilaatmosferica5252]

What an incredible video, you should keep on making movie reviews as well!!

[@magdalenakokes]

First of all, thank you a thousand times over for this phenomenal work of art. As a Czech through and through, I spent my childhood finding comfort in “The Cat Returns” and, as I grew older, rediscovered its artistic value and deeper meanings. I am speechless at the precision, care, contextual research, and interpretation that went into your analysis. (Oh and, I laughed out loud at the “is this fucking play about us” reference). To see the movie through new, foreign eyes gave me a whole new perspective-your visual language paid homage to iconic shots as well as giants of Czech cinema (including the actors Brodský, Menšík, Vašáryová, and especially Werich). And I do believe you are not “overthinking” the film: the New Wave’s authors created meticulously intentional narratives where most scenes (especially the opening ones) served a purpose. (By the way, the line “drawing from reality” is incredibly well-translated and utilizes a common art teaching practice and phrase as a narrative tool-I think you interpreted it perfectly.) Principally, as a young student painfully aware of climate change, I appreciate your connection to the problems of today and the generational gaps we face (be it in Canada or the Czech Republic). Thanks again for absolutely making my week! I would love to show this video to my Czech relatives and friends who do not speak English very well but the auto-generated subtitles are less than optimal. So I was wondering if you would be willing to let me manually add Czech/English subtitles to this essay?

[@wonderpandimonium]

I LOVE that you did a movie analysis! I LOVE hearing critiques and analyses about movies. Make some more alongside your painting videos, please! And great special effects, lol.

[@AychNoir]

The effects were just right

[@JessicaRainey970]

I saw this movie last year, on the newly released Blu-ray (region free, and not too expensive if you know where to shop, with some nice extras, so if you can, go for it!). It's marvelous, of course, but I would also recognize seeking out other films from its director, Vojtech Jasny (whose 1958 Desire is the film that essentially launched the Czechoslovak New Wave, and whose All My Good Countrymen is one of the best Czech films), and particularly the screenwriter Jirí Brdecka, an animator and writer of many of the most beloved Czech classics in the fantastic genres, who worked with many of the very greatest film directors in Czechoslovakia, from the days just after the war (where he worked with the legendary puppet filmmaker Jiri Trnka, himself at the start of his career) until his death in the 80s (his final film was directed by Vera Cytilova, the most famous woman filmmaker from behind the Iron Curtain, which was released the year following Brdecka's death).

[@JosephAnnino76]

Loved your review, so I just watched the movie. Wow, this is a beautiful movie where very little is wasted. Every moment, word, action, plays into the theme and provides layers to contemplate. I had a bit of a bigger take on the scene where the caretaker is struck by lightening. There is a real turning point in the movie when the children go into hiding. Before this point, we are presented with a range of individual actors with individual motives. After the children go into hiding, we instead only have the masses, and the authority figure. We see this transformation happen as the adults begin the search, finding themselves in crisis, their children, and so their future, withheld from them. "Leftists to the left and rightists to the right", but no one follows that instruction, with one couple arguing about whether to go left or right, and ending up stuck in the mud. Everyone in the search eventually comes together to become a quite literal chorus, with a conductor, calling out the name of each child. People are bound together in crisis. Unable to find their children, they return the town, looking for what to blame and punish, be it their children, or themselves. The caretaker offers himself up as a sort of martyr to the crowd, and the authority is only too happy to let his servant sacrifice himself. The storm comes and strikes him down just as he is organizing the crowd against the authority, but the storm also brings rain, and everyone rushes indoors to the school, immediately giving up their stand now it means getting wet. Robert, the hero working within the system, is given a chance to get the children to return, by giving a speech which repeats and softens the position of the authority and the crowd. It works, and the children return, the circus returns, the crowd turns to follow. The cat is now free, and everyone sees their true colors, and the authority is revealed as a chameleon, but now, very few people seem to care that they are exposed. Robert is asked to leave with the circus with Diane, but she closes her eyes and fades away as he chases her. His dream is gone, but the children return to him carrying cat paintings, suggesting in the end, there is an ability to move forward in the truth. But wait a minute? Robert was all too ready to leave for a fantasy world. Authority was exposed and in the end, wasn't ashamed. Everything kind of went to back to as it was, just now, we know about it. This feels a lot like modern times. We went from Barack Obama saying "sunshine in the best disinfectant" to authoritarians who seem to revel in being exposed. We have a left that is all too willing to chase after dreams while the masses are being manipulated through crisis after crisis, real or imagined. What we really need for these times is the sequel.

[@kidmohair8151]

the films that were made in the "Eastern Bloc" are completely unknown to most of us in the "West". thank you for, at the very least, making us aware, that, even in that monolith (as it was presented to us in the west), there were artists, playwrights, filmmakers, photographers, and just plain folk, who, like some of us in the west, stood up to the authoritarians on their side of the Iron Curtain.

[@ThomasBaxter]

I always find it a little odd - just because we are a minority, in a minority - when I find out a creator I follow is a fellow Quebecer (when that was not obvious from the outset). Really great video. I will seek out and watch this film as beyond the themes you highlight here, the glimpses of the film make me think there are deeper/other meanings I could draw from watching it en entier. ps. I am a QS voter - though, regrettably anglo... and _old_ - I live in the riding of Nadeau-Dubois and am really proud of the work that QS does.I was sad to Manon Masse's time end, but am excited for Lessard-Therrien's election to co-leader

[@TheCanvasArtHistory]

There are definitely other meanings and themes I’ve glanced over! It’s a short movie, but it’s packed with meaning! So glad to hear there are QS supporters watching my videos! It’s amazing!! 🧡🧡

[@hasanshaikh4463]

I saw Fireman’s Ball in college and this period of film from Czechoslovakia is wonderful.

[@marianatheschizoid5912]

Yeah I really need to watch more Czech New Wave era films, The Cremator is also an absolute gem.

[@hasanshaikh4463]

@@marianatheschizoid5912 I’ll be sure to check that out! Thanks!

[@petersteel8021]

You should check out a Hungarian film titled "The Fifth Seal" directed by Zoltán Fábri

[@SlinkVI]

What a wonderful way to start my day. Thank you.

[@AppleOfNewton]

No you're wrong Shawn, I'm going to watch this film ... Amazing video.., keep doing film essays. ❤

[@AFirestone1974]

Thanks for the review and the connection to current politics on climate change

[@AFirestone1974]

Oh btw I sent you an email and a message on Instagram

[@cwg9238]

give us more taxes and power and we will save the planet

[@IPete.WhichS2MuchN4]

Everyone: "That looks like a great movie to wa-" 26:05 - "THAT Marshall Crenshaw?!?!? ... ...... I can't stand to see you sad..."

[@TheSarkun]

That made my heart melt. I watch your videos with passion. You having made an essay about my favorite film actually filmed in the town I was born is …unexpected. ❤️

[@TheSarkun]

The town is Telč.

[@halfpintrr]

Also, I like the effect! It was visually unique and even if you think it was a failure, it was an interesting one :)

[@empatheticrambo4890]

Those bits of the movie are mesmerizing

[@marsh5746]

Great movie! Just watched it recently because it’s currently featured on the Criterion channel.

[@-xirx-]

I was sure that was Peter Ustinov in The Cat Who Wore Sunglasses when i first saw it!

[@Illstatefishing]

I remember watching this movie, felt ahead of its time 😺

[@youngquagmire4693]

Great work! Love from Slovakia!

[@markharding1985]

Another thought. I forgot to include. In my initial comment. Do the sunglasses act as a sort of power dampener or inhibitor? For it seems, and things are not always as they see or seem. To quote all be it briefly Edgar Allan Poe. Anyway, I digress. My initial point or rather question is, are the sunglasses indeed some sort of power inhibitor? I believe they are. Please feel free to discuss

[@susanyoung6579]

Perhaps the glasses are analogous to the beliefs, which when held, blind us to the obvious reality of our situation?

[@robertkalinic335]

Idk why do u make it so complicated, the cat simply reveals what people believe but dont say because of fear of punishment. The punishment is always rational and just because the director sets what is real and what is just fantasy, facts are always on his side. The cat is dangerous because the official cannot pretend that he is representing the people if the cat clearly shows that noone is honestly buying his bs. Simple as that.

[@markharding1985]

A very interesting video. This is perhaps my overly analytical brain speaking, so if I may? One of the tenants are, do not bend to the will of others. In a way,teaching the children that. And having them follow that creed. Is in a manner of speaking, bending to the will of their teacher or professor. Labels and all that! Just a thought.

[@jamesjamison6169]

I'm so glad you brought this movie to my attention! It feels like something Sondheim would have adapted if he'd had the chance. I bought a cheap DVD because I had to see the whole thing in context. Then... I thought about the Barbie movie and the opening shot of the Barbie monolith. She's wearing sunglasses. Which she then takes off. I realize Barbie as a character wearing sunglasses is nothing ground breaking. But the movie did feature a group of authority figures trying to capture Barbie and put her in a box. The movie acted as a circus performance in town and showed a lot of people their true colors and it made a lot of people mad. Just like the cat did.

[@hw-rg7gn]

This is an outstanding, creative, thought-provoking episode of your channel.

[@Zabders]

my favourite video yet

[@AychNoir]

0:48 thanks for keeping that

[@Luigi-dm9ji]

POV: you have a Mubi subscription (great movie tho, thanks for making it relevant)

[@chester1882]

I enjoyed learning about The Cat who Wears sunglasses - i never would've if Canvas hadn't done this video

[@Poetboyy]

Just saw this film and it was wonderful! Nobody makes movies like Czech Slovakia did during their New Wave period!

[@sawad8109]

Well done! I enjoyed the colorful presentation and content. Nice to see Rios début.. he did good!

[@katyawc]

It's wild seeing this with my czech father who is unfortunately going down a facist right-wing path and he just cannot seem to understand the meanings of movies. He is so caught up on the semantics of "communism" and "socialism" without realizing that he is turning into those authoritarians he hated so much growing up.

[@markwrede8878]

Authoritarians provide ideology to owners, usually private, for although party owners may exist, they are inevitably hostage to private owners.

[@xedgelord75x65]

brb i gotta go watch the movie now

[@NewtShack5]

I hope Criterion releases this on blu ray soon. It was recently restored by Janus Films.

[@Alexander-is9jo]

Just found your channel. Amazingly well done video. I have so much to catch up to

[@yogurt3572]

Also, great video !

[@hollin220]

“Each according to his capacity”

[@p00t25]

What is the name of the song that started playing at around 0:18?

[@longshank59]

Apparently I'm Old AF I saw this whe. it came out. Really great movie

[@shannadehning9464]

I knew you were cat daddyyy I just knew

[@joelthedreamer4271]

Can you do a video on Frank Frezetta.

[@donaldquirk7801]

Malice and Lex are like thank God our cat has bowel problems so we don't have to chase it down and put a bag over its head.

[@nowhere3950]

OMG!!! the cat looks just like my cat Buck

[@zionne2716]

I really enjoy your well made thoughtful videos. There are on point. I believe everyone can believe whatever they want. Climate change however is not so set in stone. The propaganda techniques you describe encompass pretty much everything in this world and the sector making money via solar panels etc. Well you always end at blackrock. For wars you do. For this you do. I respect everyones opinion, i just ask to think how much co2 is manmade percentage wise in the air? What other factors are there like clouds, sun. There are scientist like judith curry or the clintel which has 2k scientists. Weather fear propaganda has been used since the 1960s. Ozone layer, snow storms, floods. It all has a hint of truth in it ofc. And for your point with temperature there are many easy ways to influence that: check where your temp stations are. Most are now in cities and airports and forests, hills, water have been removed. Dividende et impera and mass transformation in softer forms is happening world wide and very efficient. You described so well how a minority uses power and money and yes that is true for climate lobbies, their NGOs as well and also the whole grants thing etc. Only whats desired gets published etc. Anyway i try to always look at the science myself and watch opinions that are the opposite and never ever trust the news or gov. I trusted once, took one vaccine and im fully disabled and very sick with 10 illnesses from it. Not telling anyone to believe me just telling everyone to look with open eyes and mind and not be complacent. The world is sadly very very corrupt and the layered narratives have veen crafted for decades. Even the climate thing has a fascinating origin story how to spin that into a business model. And media obv focuses more on that so people think its more. And tbh geoengineering is real anyway. Hearings in england and patents etc. Its all there one just has to put a lot of research in. Anyway stay healthy and best wishes all and awesome videos.

[@zionne2716]

Imo toxic waste by pharmaceuticals, war industry, food toxins, pestizides, contaminated water and air that is the isse. As well as destruction of forests and animal species. And all the mental and government stuff as well. Interesting times we live in.

[@zionne2716]

Awesome my comment listing toxic waste by industries and the effect of that got deleted.

[@cht2162]

U R THE BEST

[@GoldlewisDickinson]

Great video!

[@TheCanvasArtHistory]

Thank you!!

[@tinfoilhat6392]

LOVE

[@LutherE.Bolkart]

Great video, but this movie desperately needs a Criterion Collection release.

[@Andre-qo5ek]

yes... how do we do this today...

[@antoinepetrov]

This was a wonderful analysis of a very interesting and fresh film, loved everything, and then at the end of the video all was fucked up by the inclusion of Quebec politics

[@plantguy3346]

wecome back buddy

[@mlijah2730]

The discord link didn't work for me, btw

[@TheCanvasArtHistory]

discord.gg/fnN8vjHp

[@_sistersbrothers]

❤

[@KelleyGreenEcstasy]

You had Eirick and Leiff at the end of your donor list and didn't think to reverse them? (great work as always)

[@taliafore1578]

Can someone send me a discord link

[@TheCanvasArtHistory]

discord.gg/fnN8vjHp

[@Ghostofthegallow]

Sometimes art is allowed to be weird

[@yogurt3572]

Second !!!

[@Andre-qo5ek]

also... the Right ... do they have liberation art like this? it seems it is always religious dogma. or, they have critique about Leftist art as evil.

[@Mostirrelevant]

Ha, ha, ha

[@haroldroth3175]

Old people are the enemy, and only the young can make art that challenges authority. I expected more of you.

[@TheCanvasArtHistory]

I disagree that old people are the enemy, and that only young people can make art that challenges authority. In the movie, Oliva inspires change, he’s perhaps the most revolutionary of the whole village, and he’s an older man.

[@adriansigler9197]

Joking???

[@Xeronimo74]

What's up with your hair? Or why always a hat?

[@Sereniss]

One of the videos that im glad i watched