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54 reviews for:
Giraffes on Horseback Salad: Salvador Dali, the Marx Brothers, and the Strangest Movie Never Made
Tim Heidecker, Josh Frank
3.32 AVERAGE
54 reviews for:
Giraffes on Horseback Salad: Salvador Dali, the Marx Brothers, and the Strangest Movie Never Made
Tim Heidecker, Josh Frank
3.32 AVERAGE
This is such a unique book, and I love that includes a bit of information on the concept and creation of this graphic novel. I think the creators did a wonderful job of translating a surrealist movie script, complete with Marx Bros shenanigans, into an illustrated format. I'd be interested to read more about Dali's relationship with Harpo Marx and the work of the Marx brothers from a more historical perspective-- there was a fun overview here, but it's definitely a fly-by, and I'd be interested to see the sourcing. All in all, this is a really trippy tribute to these icons that prioritizes being fun, and it makes me want to read that original script!
This is one weird book! But lots of fun. It's a graphic novelization of a long lost script of a movie that surrealist artist Salvador Dalí wanted to make with his friend Harpo Marx in the 1930's. The author Josh Frank is a fan of both artists, and in the introduction he explains how hard he worked to make this project, from meeting with Harpo's son, doing lots of research and tracking down Dalí's notes, to getting a translator to translate the only version of the script he could find--which was in French!, to securing just the right illustrator to transform the surrealistic plot. It really is a weird story, involving a man who falls in love with "The Surreal Woman" and how they run away together and cause all sorts of chaos, are chased by government types and end up in the desert in a war between the "normals" and the surrealists. Pretty wacky and hard to describe, but the art is gorgeous, full color, very well done. I guess it's kind of humorous, like all of the Marx Brothers' stuff, with some visual gags and cornball jokes. If you try to think to hard about the story, though, it just gives you a headache. :-)
Fascinating.
I cannot imagine this truly working as a film back in the thirties. Even as a modern comic book it feels a little strained.
I would have liked a link to recordings of the songs for this.
And I think that the non sequiturs which reference modern life are a bit jarring. They took me out of the idea of this being an adaptation from a script from the thirties.
Some of the Groucho & Chico hijinks were spot on. I could easily imagine the duo behaving in that manner. It was a little more difficult imagining Harpo in a role where I would have cast Zeppo.
Dali's imagination was in full force, unrestrained by the needs for practical effects.
Overall, it is a fascinating look at what might have been.
I cannot imagine this truly working as a film back in the thirties. Even as a modern comic book it feels a little strained.
I would have liked a link to recordings of the songs for this.
And I think that the non sequiturs which reference modern life are a bit jarring. They took me out of the idea of this being an adaptation from a script from the thirties.
Some of the Groucho & Chico hijinks were spot on. I could easily imagine the duo behaving in that manner. It was a little more difficult imagining Harpo in a role where I would have cast Zeppo.
Dali's imagination was in full force, unrestrained by the needs for practical effects.
Overall, it is a fascinating look at what might have been.
I am of two thoughts concerning this book. The first, this would have been a terrible film. The silliness of the Marx Brothers just does not mesh well with the seriousness of Salvador Dali. Heck, even Groucho himself said "It won't play". The only way I could see this being made with any chance of success is if it were animated.
That being said, the book as a whole is rather enjoyable and makes for a fun experience. The book is broken down into a program - including shorts (notes from the authors and Bill Marx), newsreels (historical background and primary sources) and the "film" itself. Manuela Pertega's illustrations are showstoppers and really help carry the story.
I don't think this is a necessary read for a casual Marx Brothers or Dali fan. However, I do think this would be an interesting experience for more seasoned fans and film history buffs. If you do decide to read this, I *strongly* suggest that you find the soundtrack online and listen along when you come across a song. It adds a lot.
That being said, the book as a whole is rather enjoyable and makes for a fun experience. The book is broken down into a program - including shorts (notes from the authors and Bill Marx), newsreels (historical background and primary sources) and the "film" itself. Manuela Pertega's illustrations are showstoppers and really help carry the story.
I don't think this is a necessary read for a casual Marx Brothers or Dali fan. However, I do think this would be an interesting experience for more seasoned fans and film history buffs. If you do decide to read this, I *strongly* suggest that you find the soundtrack online and listen along when you come across a song. It adds a lot.
Three and a half stars, really.
As Groucho said, this movie never would have played. However, it does make a pretty entertaining graphic novel.
You have to be a fan of both the Marx Brothers and surrealism in order to appreciate it, and even then, at times it is a stretch. However, the art is good- I particularly liked the mix of color and black and white, as it was very eye-catching and lovely. Also, there is a lot of love that went into this book, and it really shines through.
As Groucho said, this movie never would have played. However, it does make a pretty entertaining graphic novel.
You have to be a fan of both the Marx Brothers and surrealism in order to appreciate it, and even then, at times it is a stretch. However, the art is good- I particularly liked the mix of color and black and white, as it was very eye-catching and lovely. Also, there is a lot of love that went into this book, and it really shines through.
Honestly, I can see why this movie never got made and I'm thankful it didn't. Still, the early parts of the book detailing the history was a great read for Harpo or Dali fans.
~ 2.5 ~
Fantastic artwork and interesting history, but honestly I became so confused half way through the book. Don’t believe it’s the book’s fault but more my not being on the book’s (or Dali’s) same wavelength.
Fantastic artwork and interesting history, but honestly I became so confused half way through the book. Don’t believe it’s the book’s fault but more my not being on the book’s (or Dali’s) same wavelength.
adventurous
challenging
funny
medium-paced