Imago (1984)
A tender and melancholic Czech animated short about one man's escape from a dreary life into a world of pure imagination.
Imago - Movie Information
- Release Year: 1984
- Directed by: Jaroslav Doubrava, Adolf Born et al.
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Animation
- Runtime: 10m
- Original Language: Czech
- Spoken Languages: No Language
- Release Date (Theatrical): January 1, 1984 (XC), June 1, 1985 (France)
- Production Companies: Krátký film Praha – Studio Bratři v triku
- Production Countries: Czechoslovakia
Imago - Plot
One of the moralities of the trio of authors Milos Macourek, Adolf Born and Jaroslav Doubrava. It deals with the topic of implacability of human optimism and fantasy. In a sad manner it tells us a humorous story of a man living double life: one of a beaten little clerk, humiliated by his arrogant boss, imperious wife and misbehaved descendant; the other of a spoiled hero of a dream empire full of beautiful and tender women, flowers and fantastic figures. From artistic point of view is the film based on Adolf Born's lithographs.
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Imago - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Jaroslav Doubrava
- Adolf Born
- Miloš Macourek
Writers
- Miloš Macourek
- Jaroslav Doubrava
- Adolf Born
Imago - FAQs
What is Imago (1984) about?
Imago follows a downtrodden clerk who endures daily humiliation from his overbearing boss, domineering wife, and unruly child. To cope, he retreats into a rich inner fantasy world filled with beautiful women, flowers, and fantastical figures. The film is a bittersweet meditation on human optimism and the power of imagination.
Is Imago based on Adolf Born's artwork?
Yes, the film draws directly from Adolf Born's lithographs. Born was one of Czechoslovakia's most celebrated illustrators, and his distinctive visual style gives Imago its dreamlike, richly detailed aesthetic. The collaboration between Born, Miloš Macourek, and Jaroslav Doubrava was a recurring creative partnership at Studio Bratři v triku.
Where can you watch Imago (1984)?
You can find viewing options for Imago on JustWatch, which lists available streaming, rental, and purchase platforms in your region. Given its status as a short Czech animated film, availability may vary, so JustWatch is the best place to check current options.
Who directed and wrote Imago (1984)?
Imago was co-directed and co-written by the trio of Jaroslav Doubrava, Adolf Born, and Miloš Macourek. This creative team was well known for their morality-themed animated shorts at the legendary Czechoslovak studio Bratři v triku, blending wit, satire, and striking visual artistry.
What themes does Imago explore?
At its heart, Imago explores the indestructibility of human optimism and fantasy as a survival mechanism. Through gentle satire and surrealism, it examines how imagination offers an escape from the frustrations of everyday life — a quietly humorous yet melancholic reflection on the human condition.
What is the runtime of Imago (1984)?
Imago runs for just 10 minutes, making it a compact but richly layered short film. Despite its brief runtime, it manages to tell a complete and emotionally resonant story, which is a hallmark of the skilled Czechoslovak animation tradition it belongs to.
What animation style does Imago use?
Imago's visual language is rooted in Adolf Born's lithographic illustration style — lush, detailed, and gently surreal. The contrast between the clerk's drab, oppressive real world and his vibrant, flower-filled dream empire is rendered through a distinctive artistic approach that feels both painterly and playful.
What are some films similar to Imago (1984)?
If Imago appeals to you, explore The House (2022), Waking Life (2001), and Destino (2003) for similarly imaginative animated storytelling. For more Czechoslovak animation, The Cabinet of Jan Švankmajer (1984) is an excellent companion piece. The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore (2012) also shares its bittersweet, dreamlike spirit.
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