The Comb (1991)
A haunting stop-motion short by the Brothers Quay, venturing deep into the surreal landscape of a dreamer's sleeping mind.
The Comb - Movie Information
- Original Title: The Comb
- Release Year: 1991
- Directed by: Timothy Quay, Stephen Quay
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Animation, Fantasy
- Runtime: 18m
- Original Language: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): October 11, 1991 (United States)
- Alternative Titles: The Comb (From the Museums of Sleep) (US), The Comb (From the Museums of Sleep): Fairytale Dramolet to Scenes and Texts of Robert Walser (UK)
- Production Companies: Koninck Studios
- Production Countries: United Kingdom
The Comb - Plot
A porcelain doll's explorations of a dreamer's imagination.
Where to Watch The Comb
Looking for where to watch The Comb?
Compare all viewing options available in your region on JustWatch ↗
The Comb - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Timothy Quay
- Stephen Quay
Main Cast
- Joy Constaninides
- Witold Schejbal
Writers
- Stephen Quay
- Timothy Quay
Producers
- Keith Griffiths
- Weiser Quay
The Comb - FAQs
What is The Comb about?
The Comb follows a porcelain doll as she navigates the strange, labyrinthine interior of a sleeping woman's dream. Directed by the Brothers Quay, the film blends stop-motion animation with surrealist imagery inspired by the writings of Swiss author Robert Walser, creating an unsettling and poetic dreamscape.
Is The Comb based on Robert Walser's writing?
Yes, The Comb draws directly from the texts and scenes of Swiss writer Robert Walser. The film's full UK title acknowledges this connection explicitly. The Brothers Quay were longtime admirers of Walser's fragmented, dreamlike prose, and the film translates his literary sensibility into pure visual and tactile animation.
Where can you watch The Comb?
You can find streaming and viewing options for The Comb on JustWatch, which tracks availability across platforms in your region. As a short experimental film, its availability may vary, so checking JustWatch is the easiest way to see where it's currently accessible.
Who directed The Comb (1991)?
The Comb was directed by Timothy Quay and Stephen Quay, the American-born twin brothers known professionally as the Brothers Quay. Working out of London's Koninck Studios, they are celebrated for their distinctive stop-motion style, which draws on Central European surrealism, puppet theatre, and experimental art cinema.
What animation technique does The Comb use?
The Comb uses the Brothers Quay's signature stop-motion technique, animating dolls, found objects, and handcrafted miniature sets. The result is a tactile, unsettling visual world that feels simultaneously ancient and alive. Their approach is deeply influenced by Eastern European puppet animation and the surrealist tradition.
How long is The Comb?
The Comb runs just 18 minutes, making it a short film. Despite its brief runtime, it's a remarkably dense and immersive experience — the Brothers Quay pack an entire dreamworld into those 18 minutes, rewarding patient viewers with layers of surreal imagery and atmosphere.
Is The Comb worth watching for animation fans?
Absolutely. The Comb is considered one of the Brothers Quay's finest works and a landmark of experimental animation. Critics and animators alike regard it as essential viewing for anyone interested in stop-motion, surrealism, or avant-garde cinema. It's a short but deeply rewarding film that lingers long after it ends.
What are films similar to The Comb?
If The Comb resonates with you, explore other dreamlike and experimental works such as Meshes of the Afternoon (1943), Waking Life (2001), Destino (2003), and The House (2022). These films share The Comb's interest in surreal imagery, unconventional narrative, and the blurry boundary between sleep and waking.
More About The Comb
Explore further details about The Comb on these authoritative resources.