Shagreen Leather 1960
In Vlado Kristl's haunting 1960 animated short *Shagreen Leather*, we meet Rafael, a desperate man drowning in misfortune until fate deals him a cruel twist.
Director: Vlado Kristl
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Shagreen Leather (1960) about?
Rafael, a man on the brink of despair, discovers a magical shagreen leather that grants his every wish. But as he indulges in wealth and love, he learns the brutal rule: each fulfilled desire shortens both the leather and his life, leading to an inevitable reckoning.
Who directed Shagreen Leather?
Vlado Kristl, the acclaimed animator and filmmaker, directed this surreal short. Known for his experimental style, Kristl crafts a visually striking and thematically dense narrative.
Who stars in Shagreen Leather?
The cast details for *Shagreen Leather* (1960) are not listed, reflecting the era's common practice for animated shorts of this nature.
Is Shagreen Leather (1960) worth watching?
As a 9-minute animated allegory, *Shagreen Leather* is a hidden gem for fans of surreal, thought-provoking cinema. Though unrated, its artistic ambition and haunting themes make it a compelling watch for those tired of formulaic animation.
How long is Shagreen Leather?
The runtime for *Shagreen Leather* (1960) is exactly 9 minutes.
About Shagreen Leather (1960) — A Surreal 9-Minute Allegory of Greed and Time
In Vlado Kristl's haunting 1960 animated short *Shagreen Leather*, we meet Rafael, a desperate man drowning in misfortune until fate deals him a cruel twist. Left penniless and heartbroken, he risks his last coin at the roulette table only to lose everything—until a mysterious shagreen leather emerges, promising to make every wish come true. As Rafael embraces luxury, love, and power through its supernatural gifts, he ignores the ominous catch: with every fulfilled desire, the leather—and his life—shrinks away.
This eerie allegory blends surreal animation with biting commentary on desire and consequence. Kristl crafts a visually striking tale where opulence masks an inescapable cost, evoking the weight of ambition and the fragility of human existence. The film's atmosphere lingers like a dark fairy tale, its themes as sharp as the edge of the leather itself.