Quay 2015
"We don’t try to emulate what’s outside our window, that’s the last thing we want to emulate."
Christopher Nolan's 2015 short documentary *Quay* offers a mesmerizing glimpse into the surreal artistry of legendary animators Stephen and Timothy Quay.
Director: Christopher Nolan
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Quay (2015) about?
*Quay* (2015) is a concise documentary that showcases the work of filmmakers Stephen and Timothy Quay alongside three of their most celebrated short films. The film offers a behind-the-scenes look at their creative process in a London studio, blending their signature stop-motion animation with Nolan's curated selection.
Who directed Quay?
Christopher Nolan directed *Quay* (2015), introducing a rare glimpse into the surreal animation world of the Quay Brothers as part of his curated film program.
Who stars in Quay?
The documentary features animators Stephen Quay and Timothy Quay, the creative duo behind the films screened within the program.
Is Quay (2015) worth watching?
For fans of experimental animation or Nolan's filmography, *Quay* (2015) is a fascinating deep dive into a unique artistic vision. While brief, its eerie visuals and behind-the-scenes insight make it a compelling watch for niche audiences.
How long is Quay?
*Quay* (2015) runs for 8 minutes.
About Quay (2015) — A Surreal Portrait of the Quay Brothers' Haunting Animation
Christopher Nolan's 2015 short documentary *Quay* offers a mesmerizing glimpse into the surreal artistry of legendary animators Stephen and Timothy Quay. This eight-minute cinematic portrait accompanies three of the brothers' most iconic short films—*In Absentia* (2000), *The Comb* (1991), and *Street of Crocodiles* (1986)—as part of a curated 35mm touring program. The film immerses viewers in the Quays' hauntingly tactile stop-motion world, where decaying objects pulse with eerie life and distorted perspectives blur the line between dream and reality.
Nolan's introduction frames the Quays as outsiders who reject realism in favor of a uniquely unsettling visual language, one that draws from dreams, memory, and the uncanny. Shot in the brothers' cluttered London studio, the documentary captures their meticulous process—puppets, maquettes, and miniature sets come alive under their hands, evoking a gothic fairy tale atmosphere. *Quay* (2015) isn't just a tribute; it's an invitation to explore the boundaries of animation and the hypnotic power of the uncanny.