What Are the Clouds? Poster

What Are the Clouds? 1968

★ 8.517 votes20 min📅 1968-04-12

Dive into the surreal world of *What Are the Clouds? (1968)*, Pier Paolo Pasolini's surrealist short film that blends fantasy, drama, and comedy in a mesmerizing 20-minute spectacle.

Director: Pier Paolo Pasolini

Cast

Totò
Totò
Iago
Ninetto Davoli
Ninetto Davoli
Otello
Franco Franchi
Franco Franchi
Cassio
Ciccio Ingrassia
Ciccio Ingrassia
Roderigo
Laura Betti
Laura Betti
Desdemona
Adriana Asti
Adriana Asti
Bianca
Domenico Modugno
Domenico Modugno
Lo Spazzino
Carlo Pisacane
Carlo Pisacane
Brabanzio
Francesco Leonetti
Francesco Leonetti
Il Burattinaio

Frequently Asked Questions

What is *What Are the Clouds? (1968)* about?

*What Are the Clouds?* follows lifeless puppets that awaken in a sealed theater to perform Shakespeare's *Othello*. The film merges dark comedy and existential dread as the marionettes navigate their surreal existence, blurring the line between illusion and reality.

Who directed *What Are the Clouds? (1968)*?

The film was directed by Pier Paolo Pasolini, the iconic Italian filmmaker known for his provocative and avant-garde cinema.

Who stars in *What Are the Clouds? (1968)*?

The cast features Totò, Ninetto Davoli, Franco Franchi, Ciccio Ingrassia, and Laura Betti in a quirky ensemble of animated and human performers.

Is *What Are the Clouds? (1968)* worth watching?

As a short film brimming with Pasolini's signature surrealism, *What Are the Clouds?* offers a unique, if niche, viewing experience. Fans of experimental cinema or Pasolini's work will find it intriguing, though its brevity may leave others wanting more.

How long is *What Are the Clouds? (1968)*?

The runtime is 20 minutes.

About What Are the Clouds? (1968) — Pier Paolo Pasolini's Surrealist Puppet Shakespeare Performance

Dive into the surreal world of *What Are the Clouds? (1968)*, Pier Paolo Pasolini's surrealist short film that blends fantasy, drama, and comedy in a mesmerizing 20-minute spectacle. Set inside a windowless theater, the story unfolds as lifeless puppets suddenly spring to life, ready to perform Shakespeare's *Othello* in a bizarre, dreamlike performance. Pasolini's signature subversion of reality collides with dark humor and existential themes, creating an experience that feels both playful and haunting. The film's eerie atmosphere and unconventional narrative challenge perceptions, leaving viewers to ponder the boundaries between art and life.

Starring the legendary Totò alongside Ninetto Davoli and Laura Betti, *What Are the Clouds?* captures the essence of Pasolini's avant-garde vision. With its blend of absurdity and poetic depth, this obscure gem is a must-see for fans of experimental cinema and those curious about the director's lesser-known works. While fleeting, its impact lingers like a half-remembered dream.