What is On Top of the Whale?
On Top of the Whale is a 1982 Dutch surrealist and magical realistic fantasy film directed by Chilean filmmaker Raul Ruiz. The production is described as one of the director's most ambitious and delirious hoax-like fictions, created during his period of exile.
- Type
- Film
- Year
- 1982
- Release date
- Feb 4, 1982
- Genres
- Fantasy, Drama
- Updated
At a glance
- Rating
- ★ TMDB users: 7.0/10
Trailer
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Find the trailer on YouTube ↗Overview
On Top of the Whale is a 1982 Dutch surrealist and magical realistic fantasy film directed by Chilean filmmaker Raul Ruiz. The production is described as one of the director's most ambitious and delirious hoax-like fictions, created during his period of exile. The cast includes Willeke van Ammelrooy, Jean Badin, Fernando Bordeu, and Herbert Curiel.
The narrative functions as a parody of anthropology, linguistics, and cultural imperialism. The plot follows an unlikely team of linguists as they travel into the wilds of an ersatz Patagonia. Their objective is to study the last speakers of a dying language. The film explores the premise that this language consists of only a single word, which consequently serves to signify everything. The film has a runtime of one hour and thirty-seven minutes and received a United States release on June 20, 1986. It is categorized under the genres of fantasy and drama. The film is also known by its Dutch title, Het dak van de walvis.
Should you watch it?
“An unlikely team of linguists journeys to study a dying language consisting of one single word.”
- It serves as a parody of anthropology, linguistics, and cultural imperialism.
- It is directed by Chilean filmmaker Raúl Ruiz while he was in exile.
- It features a unique premise involving a language consisting of a single word that means everything.
- Viewers seeking a conventional narrative may find its hoax-like and surrealist fiction challenging to follow.
Watch it if you are interested in a surrealist and magical realistic parody of anthropology and linguistics directed by Raúl Ruiz.
The tone is surreal and parodic, offering a delirious and ambitious hoax-like fiction suitable for audiences interested in experimental cinema.
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Frequently asked questions
Where can I stream On Top of the Whale?
Streaming availability is not provided in the source material.
Is On Top of the Whale worth watching?
It is recognized as a delirious and ambitious hoax-like fiction directed by Raúl Ruiz, making it notable for fans of surrealist and magical realistic fantasy.
What is the binge duration of On Top of the Whale?
The film has a runtime of 1 hour and 37 minutes.
What are the essential episodes to watch?
On Top of the Whale is a feature film rather than a television series with episodes.
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