The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie by Luis Buñuel

Category: Non-English

Aside from Un Chien Andalou, I haven't watched any of Buñuel's works and there's a good chunk of Surreal cinema am missing. I am now certain of this! Anyway - the film is a vicious, dark take on the Bourgeoisie. A section of the people who could only be interested in how they could cut a lamb roast or what wine tastes best with food. That one of their friend is a diplomat from a fake country is of no interest. That they make snide jokes about how people from "poor classes" drink dry martini differently actually bothers them!

The film takes its pace to settle in about the 4 principal characters essayed brilliantly by the cast. The first half of the film primarily deals with the viewers settling in and once the film continues the magik starts, Buñuel basically takes you through a complete visual and audible treat that makes you wonder what to pay attention at and what is exactly real. One of his final works before he stopped making films and eventually passed away, this 1972 film would have probably would have been way different had it been in Black and White.

There's also the Bishop who avenges his murdered parents by first giving the dying man Absolution and then proceeding to blow his brains out. There's also the Bloody Seargent of June 14th and plenty of jokes on the Bourgeoisie which will keep you firmly glued while watching and hopefully appreciating the film. Ah there are some really wonderful shots in the scene particularly when he wants to introduce a new track, like a magician he moves the camera around - conjuring images for you. Basically once the characters are established he starts tackling the dreams and the subsequent effects and there is also the 6 principal characters wanting to have a meal together but never getting about it and the mysterious path they all walk on, or rather we all walk on?

Recommendation level: 5/5 - I'd say you must see! I have a Palador print and it also came with a copy of Un chien andalou. A key actress to point out has to be Delphine Seyrig!