La Joconde, histoire d'une obsession 1958
In this surreal 1958 animated short, Henri Gruel crafts a playful yet unsettling tale of obsession centered around the world's most famous smile.
Director: Henri Gruel
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is La Joconde, histoire d'une obsession (1958) about?
This 14-minute animated fantasy short follows a man whose life spirals into chaos when the Mona Lisa's smile begins appearing everywhere he goes. As the enigmatic expression haunts him in museums, cafés, and bookstores, his sanity begins to unravel under the weight of artistic obsession.
Who directed La Joconde, histoire d'une obsession?
Henri Gruel directed this surreal animated short, infusing it with a mix of playful fantasy and psychological tension.
Who stars in La Joconde, histoire d'une obsession?
The film features Pascal Mazzotti, Cora Vaucaire, Léon Camy, Boris Vian, and Anne Vernon among its cast.
Is La Joconde, histoire d'une obsession (1958) worth watching?
While unrated on IMDb, its imaginative premise and tight 14-minute runtime make it a quirky curiosity for fans of experimental animation and surreal storytelling. It's a charming oddity rather than a must-see, but one that delivers a memorable visual punch.
How long is La Joconde, histoire d'une obsession?
The film runs for 14 minutes.
La Joconde, histoire d'une obsession (1958): A Surreal Short Film About Art's Haunting Gaze
In this surreal 1958 animated short, Henri Gruel crafts a playful yet unsettling tale of obsession centered around the world's most famous smile. The film follows an ordinary man whose life unravels as the enigmatic gaze of the Mona Lisa seems to follow him everywhere—haunting him in museums, bookshops along the Seine, bustling cafés, and quiet streets. As her smile grows more persistent and taunting, his grip on reality slips, blending fantasy and psychological unease in a visually inventive style.
La Joconde, histoire d'une obsession (1958) is a whimsical yet effective exploration of artistic allure and the surreal power of imagery. Gruel's direction and the film's animated fantasy genre create a dreamlike atmosphere, where art transcends its frame to invade the protagonist's world. With a runtime of just 14 minutes, it's a tight, evocative experience that lingers long after the credits roll.