A Classic Cinematic Format
The term portmanteau film is a classic designation for a feature film that is composed of several distinct short stories rather than a single, continuous narrative. A ‘portmanteau’ is a large traveling bag that opens into two compartments, and the term was metaphorically applied to these films that contained multiple stories within one package. While the term has become less common in contemporary criticism, it accurately describes a format that was particularly popular in European cinema in the 1950s and 60s.
Structure and Unification
Like its modern counterpart, the anthology film, a portmanteau film relies on a unifying element to tie its segments together. This is often a framing device—a single narrative that provides the context for telling the other stories. For instance, a group of travelers stranded at an inn might pass the time by each telling a tale.
This format was often used as a vehicle for prominent directors to collaborate on a single project, with each director helming a different segment. This allowed audiences to experience the different styles of several auteurs within one film, unified by a common theme.
Terminology: Portmanteau vs. Anthology
In modern usage, the terms ‘portmanteau film’ and ‘anthology film’ are largely synonymous. However, ‘portmanteau’ carries a more classical, historical connotation and is often used when discussing films from the mid-20th century. The term anthology film has become the more dominant and widely understood descriptor today, especially with the rise of anthology television series.
Notable Portmanteau Films
- Dead of Night (1945): A seminal British horror film that is a perfect example of the portmanteau structure, using a chilling framing story about a man experiencing a recurring nightmare to link its supernatural tales.
- Quartet (1948): A British film based on four short stories by W. Somerset Maugham, with each story introduced by the author himself.
- Boccaccio ‘70 (1962): A famous Italian example featuring segments directed by four of the country’s most legendary directors: Mario Monicelli, Federico Fellini, Luchino Visconti, and Vittorio De Sica.