80-year-old Thomas recounts his childhood and middle age through a series of flashbacks and dream sequences. Thomas believes he’s been taken away from a better life at birth; following a hospital fire, he vividly recalls being swapped with another new-born, and subsequently grows up in a poorer neighbouring household.
Direction
Van Dormael's playful visual language masks crushing despair.
Cinematography
Fantastical memory sequences bursting with color and regret.
Acting
Michel Bouquet's sardonic narration anchors the chaos.
Director
Jaco Van Dormael
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Jaco Van Dormael spent years developing this debut, later refining his visual style in The Eighth Day and Mr. Nobody.
The film launched the 'Belgian surrealist cinema' wave of the 1990s, influencing everything from Amélie to Eternal Sunshine.
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