I don't think there's been any discussions about this guy yet, and seeing as how my avatar is a frame of his, I'd figure I'd start one. Who else loves him? I do, but it is an incomplete affection because I've only seen three of his films -- Un Chien Andelou, Belle De Jour and The Discreet Charm Of The Bourgouisie. His brand of surrealism is beautiful, and often hilarious, and it clicks with me in a way that makes me think I'd probably have gotten along with him really well.
I remember when Belle De Jour got re-released about ten years ago...I was too young to go see it, so I got the screenplay out of the library. Needless to say, it had a pretty big impact on me.
unfortunately ive only seen belle de jour. but i think its remarkable.
From Buñuel's My Last Sigh
"I feel it necessary to say here...that the 2 basic sentiments of my childhood which stayed with me well into adolescence, are those of a profound eroticism, at first sublimated in a great religious faith, and a permanent consciousness of death."
On Surrealism: "All of us were supporters of a certain concept of revolution, and although the surrealists didn't consider themselves terrorists, they were constantly fighting a society they despised. The principle weapon was not guns, of course, it was scandal. Scandal was a potent agent of revelation, capable of exposing such social crimes as exploitation of one man by another, colonialist imperialism, religious tyranny—in sum, all the secret and odious underpinnings of a system that had to be destroyed."
"For the 1st time in my life, I'd come into contact with a coherent moral system that, as far as I could tell, had no flaws. It was an aggressive morality based on the complete rejection of all existing values. We had other criteria: we exalted passion, mystification, black humor, the insult, and the call of the abyss."
On religion: "If someone were to prove to me -- right this minute -- that God, in all his luminousness, exists, it wouldn't change a single aspect of my behavior."
"I'm still an Atheist, thank God."
Oh man....Discreet Charm Of The Bourgouisie is near perfect. How I love it. He's a great director. Care do discuss Discreet Charm anyone? It seems to be his most seen film from the people I've met. Any thoughts? Personally...I love it love it love it. Un Chien Andalou was also great...TOTALLY surreal but in that beautiful sort of Dali way (but he worked with Dali on that film right?)
Yeah, he did collaborate with Dali on that. A match made in heaven.
'Descreet Charm' is just wonderful. It's one of those films that you wish you could re-experience for the first time, because its so consistently surprising. I watched it expecting a sort of upper class drama, but to see that genre get so totally stripped and satirized was a wonderful jolt. I didn't completely catch on to what Bunuel was doing until the scene in the diner (that is out of tea, coffee and water) where the soldier relates his story. The dream logic of the film is perfect.
The repeated motif of the main group of friends walking down a deserted country road, in the context of the movie, is hilarious. Seeing these pretentious rich people totally out of their element is a cruel delight.
Quote from: GhostboyYeah, he did collaborate with Dali on that. A match made in heaven.
'Descreet Charm' is just wonderful. It's one of those films that you wish you could re-experience for the first time, because its so consistently surprising. I watched it expecting a sort of upper class drama, but to see that genre get so totally stripped and satirized was a wonderful jolt. I didn't completely catch on to what Bunuel was doing until the scene in the diner (that is out of tea, coffee and water) where the soldier relates his story. The dream logic of the film is perfect.
The repeated motif of the main group of friends walking down a deserted country road, in the context of the movie, is hilarious. Seeing these pretentious rich people totally out of their element is a cruel delight.
Defenitely...that soldier scene where the guys are all smoking pot...it's just hilarious. I especially enjoy
SPOILER!.The scene where a character is eating dinner...and the curtain opens and it's a stage play. Wow that totally got me...
END SPOILERAnyone who hasn't seen this should certainly check it out, total surreal hilarity bliss
I also love how he has loud noises like typewriters or airplanes randomly drown out seemingly important dialogue. I might have to 'steal' that someday for one of my films...
Quote from: GhostboyI also love how he has loud noises like typewriters or airplanes randomly drown out seemingly important dialogue. I might have to 'steal' that someday for one of my films...
Who was the first to do this? The earliest example of this I've seen is in North by Northwest.
I recently saw Discreet Charm of the Bourgeousie, and I had no idea what the movie was about before I saw it. I heard a little about Un Chien Andalou, but I didn't know much about Bunuel. DCB is filled with such humor and fun with filmmaking that you can't help but love this film.
I REALLY want to see 'Phantom of Liberty'. It sounds exactly like what
I want to see. It's like 35 on ebay, that makes me SO MAD.
I've also seen "Un chien andalou", "Belle de Jour" and "Discreet" but I've also seen that lesser known "Age of Gold"...
I want to buy "the Exterminating Angel" but I fear it'll leap to DVD the minute I purchase it on VHS. That's my luck.
No one director living today is as surreal or subtle as Bunuel was. Most of us saw "Belle de Jour".. who didn't love the meowing cat?
have any of you seen That Obscure Object of Desire? it was a remake of the Josef Von Sternberg film The Woman and the Puppet. its excellent -- i believe it was Bunuel's last film.
I haven't seen it.. heard a lot about it and plan to buy it on DVD sometime soon.
i just read Ebert's The Great Movies, and i think he had 3 Bunuel movies (and not even the ones Criterion has)......also, i remember Wes Anderson mentioning it on the Royal T DVD.
someone explain to me his films......are they mostly just shocking / weird images one after the other........are there actual plots or does it just kinda float along?? i don't know.........anything you want to say about him
You have to see his films to believe them, because there's always so much going on. I should qualify, as I'm only referring to the only one I've seen as of yet: That Obscure Object of Desire. I've heard The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoise is the same way. For TOOoD, though, be prepared to be reminded of -- or continue to hate -- women who have screwed you over, or just women in general. It's a really funny film in a vicious kind of way, and you'll see where the comparisons Lynch's works bring about are rooted as well.
And oh yes, for anyone interested in surrealism, Un Chien Andalou is required viewing.
Also, the first film to do the "dialogue-drowning" technique was On the Waterfront.
ONMPT (I give up on the vowels), you need to check out The Discreet Charm Of The Bourgouisie ASAP. It's his best film (of the three I've seen/own, not counting the Andelusian Pup, which needs to be released on DVD because I'm tired of rewinding it). You know the train scenes in That Obscure Object Of Desire? It's very reminiscent of that all the way through. Very concerned with the superfluousness of etiquette and social life. It's one of the best satires I've ever seen, and the surreal stuff is pulled of so beautifully, it almost took my breath away the first time I saw it. You'll also see in this film how Wes Anderson was infuenced by Bunuel -- it's not so present in his other work, but defintely in this one. The Criterion 2 disc set is great.
Those of you who haven't seen his films should get those two and of course Belle De Jour.
Check out Land Without Bread. I know there's a video that bundles it with Un Chein. It's a short documentary about peasants living in Spain's mountains. It's completely pitiless in its depiction. Completely removed on any emotional level from their suffering to the point that I was rolling with laughter. They're reduced to objects. And the final image is pure genius.
I've seen Belle de Jour, and I love it. Catherine Denueve is THE womanof cinema...she's just stunning.
Los Olvidados is great too, and Nazarin, a strong religious critique (well, all of his films are)...
I also saw La Voie Latte, one of his weirdest films, I have it on tape actually, but I have only seen it twice.
There's a mexican very unknown movie called El Gran Calavera, which is pretty much a light comedy on the surface, but is actually one of his devastating mockerys on rich people.
Un chien andalou is by far the craziest short film I've ever seen, it's definetely fun to watch.
I read somewhere that Salvador Dalí once said: "I made Un Chien Andalou with Luis Buñuel...then I got out of cinema, showing the world who the was the genius among us two"...I love Dalí...
Another quote of him: "The best two things that can happen to a person are being spanish, and being called Salvador Dali...luckily, they have both converged on my person"...
what a cool individual
ok, i wish there was a way i could check them out first without plopping down 40 bucks for the Criterion. i guess i could try the whole Netflix thing, but i imagine any Criterion are probably on a long list?
didn't Dali do the dream sequence in one of Hitchcock's films, Spellbound?
does Bunuel compare any way to that?
Quote from: bigideasdidn't Dali do the dream sequence in one of Hitchcock's films, Spellbound?
Yes, he did.
Belle de Jour was one of the first foreign films I saw.. and what really compelled me in that film was Peter Clementi, this masochistic man with a mouthful of steel. That image of him and Deneuve was one of the first that introduced me to the foreign cinema, and allowed me to explore other Bunuel films, such as the Discreet Charm, which is so surreal that for me its more of a work of art than a hilarious work of art. But its funny nonetheless. Un Chien Andalou is something I love to watch every so often because its such a masterpiece of surrealistic images juxtaposed for no reason. Yet it feels like there are dozens of reasons. When a film moves you for thinking it means something but means nothing, it's done a lot to you.
Watched "That Obscure Object Of Desire" tonight, and loved it. Fascinating exploration of the theme of obsession; the 'that what you want, but cannot have'. Conchita is so scathing in her treatment of Mathieu, you can't help but feel for him, but at the same you have to laugh with her at his naivete.
I've been wanting to see "That Obscure Object of Desire", but I haven't got around to it. I've seen the short film he did with Dali, the name escapes me though, "Un Chien Andalou", or something....I've also seen "Belle de Jour" several times, as well as the "Exterminating Angel", which was amusing. But all in all, I think (of the limited films I've seen by him) my favorite is "Los Olvidados". The little boy's dream is great.
I haven't seen any of his movies :o( They don't have them to rent anywhere and everytime I get one from netflix its always scratched beyond repair. I think i'll just buy one of his movies. Anyone got any reccomendations?
I would say you should start with "Belle de Jour". It's a great introduction to his style and it's an amazing film.
classical gas has seen more than me so he's probably got a better idea, but I love the one he didn't mention: "The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie"
Well i guess I'll go for whichever one is cheaper :o)
Quote from: MacGuffinWatched "That Obscure Object Of Desire" tonight, and loved it. Fascinating exploration of the theme of obsession; the 'that what you want, but cannot have'. Conchita is so scathing in her treatment of Mathieu, you can't help but feel for him, but at the same you have to laugh with her at his naivete.
that obscure object of desire is my favorite of his. also loved belle de jour and diary of a chambermaid. i liked discreet charm. also like phantom of liberty.
i'm getting pissed because it's difficult to find his other stuff, since most of its not on dvd. anyone know of any good places to get vhs of his other stuff?
Quote from: abuck1220i'm getting pissed because it's difficult to find his other stuff, since most of its not on dvd. anyone know of any good places to get vhs of his other stuff?
...I'm pretty sure TOOoD and TDCotB are on DVD. And I know Un Chien Andalou is on VHS. http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/external-search/103-1782764-2055850?tag=imdb-adbox&mode=vhs&keyword=6301910311%7CB0000560QI As for finding it, just search Amazon. If it's ever been in print, they'll probably have a record of it.
i've seen/owned those. i'm talking more about exterminating angel, los olvidados, etc...looks like i'll have to hope for dvd releases since the vhs for those are $45-70!
Quote from: abuck1220i've seen/owned those. i'm talking more about exterminating angel, los olvidados, etc...looks like i'll have to hope for dvd releases since the vhs for those are $45-70!
i got both of those flicks for cheap off of e-bay. they're not the greatest of quality, but to see such great films for cheap isn't so bad.
Quote from: AlexandroLos Olvidados is great too, and Nazarin, a strong religious critique...
Quote from: classical gasBut all in all, I think (of the limited films I've seen by him) my favorite is "Los Olvidados".
Alright, so when I go to NYC this July, I have the opportunity to see both Los Olvidados and Nazarin at the famous Film Forum. Has anybody else seen two films?
I just watched Belle de Jour. I have yet to see anything else of his, any suggestions for what to go with next? Belle de Jour was really good, I can see an influence on Eyes Wide Shut, and after reading Ebert's essay on Belle de Jour it appears I'm not the only one.
Anyone want to talk about the meaning of the end of Belle de Jour?
Quote from: SHAFTRAnyone want to talk about the meaning of the end of Belle de Jour?
it means the movie is over. those words on the screen are names of people who worked on the film. when the dvd returns to the main menu, the film has run its course and is now time to put on something else. atleast, thats the way i interpeted it when i watched it.
just kidding shaftr
I love Buñuel! I love the way that guy tells his story with such control over everything. The camera shots/movements are all so simple and you think you're watching one thing, but then he pans somewhere and there's something there to change everything, usually something absurd.
He's an interesting guy to me because he'll make one movie where he completely makes fun of plot, then turns around and does something very linear, straightforward yet very cool.
I;ve seen- Un Chien Andalou, The Golden Age, Los Olvidados, The exterminating angel, Diary of a chambermaid, Simon of the desert, Belle de jour, Tristana, Viridiana, Discreet charm of the bourgeoisie, and That Obscure object of Desire.
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Luis Bunuel's 1929 short Un Chien Andalou, a classic of surrealist cinema, has been announced for release onto DVD. The film, based on an exchange of dreams between Luis Bunuel and artist Salvador Dali, is widely hailed as a landmark in the history of cinema. Many people, however, will always know it for its infamous eye-slicing scene. Due on December 28th from Facets Video, the disc will feature a remastered b&w transfer, along with an audio commentary with surrealism expert Stephen Barber, an interview with Bunuel's son, Epilogue: Dali & Bunuel and a collector's booklet featuring an abridged transcript of Bunuel's 1953 address "Mystery of Cinema." Retail will be $19.95.
boner!!
You mean I can finally find out what this means?
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Extras:
• Documentary A Proposito De Bunuel with optional subtitles (1:39:15)
• Commentary by Robert Short with optional subtitles
• Introduction by Robert Short with optional subtitles (25:20)
• 28 page booklet in case with "L'Age D'or"
I'm guessing we should go for the 2nd?
Where, when, how, what and who should I do to get that?
Quote from: ranemaka13I'm guessing we should go for the 2nd?
Where, when, how, what and who should I do to get that?
depends where you live
Quote from: Pedro the AlpacaQuote from: ranemaka13I'm guessing we should go for the 2nd?
Where, when, how, what and who should I do to get that?
depends where you live
Jesusland.
But I have one of those fancy-schmancy CyberHome players with the regionless-ness of it all.
Amazon.co.uk
TCM proves its worth again. Thursday, May 6th, TCM has a Bunuel marathon.
8:00pm Los Olvidados
9:45pm Nazarin
11:30pm Viridiana
1:15am The Exterminating Angel
3:00am Simon of the Desert
finally got to see a Bunuel film, Discreet Charm.
i'm sure i'm probably missing a lot of symbolism.
the dream sequences and flashbacks were really great.
looking forward to exploring the Criterion extras.
the shorter blonde woman reminded me a lot of Naomi Watts, even down to facial expressions.
Belle Toujours (Manoel de Oliveira, 2006, Toronto Film Festival)
Manoel de Oliveira's supposed "sequel" to Luis Bunuel's "Belle de jour" turns out to be another of the great Portuguese director's memory films, perhaps the most beautiful since his undervalued "Porto of My Childhood" of 2001. Michel Piccoli recreates his role in Bunuel's film as Henri Husson, now an elegantly aging roue who recognizes a face from his past at a Dvorak concert — Severine, the haute bourgeoise whose sexual curiosity sent her to a day job in a Parisian brothel (and who has, in the process of aging, come to resemble Bulle Ogier more than Catherine Deneuve). Severine is not happy to be confronted with her former friend and lover, but allows herself to be lured to a dinner in a private room in a restaurant that seems to have changed little since La Belle Epoque (and is represented by a set that might have been built by Ophuls or Lubitsch). Henri and Severine recall their lives of fifty years ago by the sputtering light of low-burning candles — an image that suggests both the nearness of death and the fading of the sexual impulse. The time frame is contemporary, but through careful framing, Oliveira creates the impression of a 19th century Paris of boulevards and boulevardiers — and gradually, one realizes that the title refers less to Ms. Ogier than to the city itself, still as magnificent in Oliveira's mind as when he first visited it in the 20s. Oliveira's grandson, Ricardo Trepa, appears as a sympathetic barman.
Sadly I've Only seen That Obscure Object of Desire. Need to get my paws on the rest of his sh*t. But 'desire' is mmm mmm good.
Spoilers
I finally saw another Bunuel. It was the "Diary of a Chambermaid" and my God, is it good. Disturbing and uncomfortable in an unusual way I never knew what was coming next. The group of people that hire the chambermaid are pretty discipable people. They always seem to be bastards on purpose. There are so many twists and turns in general and layerwise I found alot that seemed under the surface. There seems to be heavy racism, and adultourous nature between most of the men in the film. Except the neighbor who seems on the up and up, wanting to defend against the chambermaid's innocence. I really enjoyed this but don't worry I will write a review soon that will be damning some film to hell. Not sure what it will be yet though.
Spoilers
There is something hauntingly strange about 'Viridianna' that reminds me how tortuous and cruel life can be sometimes. Its a very creepy and sick film, but shot in the most traditional way possible with really no scenes that make no sense. All of the scenes in context make sense but when put together become horrific. Bunuel is really a truest surrealist in the best sense of the word.
There's a sleeping beauty vibe that I get-only more disturbing-when I saw the uncle lay his niece on the bed and undress her blouse. He always seems to get beautiful women to be in his films...Absolutely beautiful women. The obsession that the uncle has is both tender and un-nerving. So when he offed himself I was glad even though I understood why he did so...
There is an aura of heavy tension that hovers in every frame and it some of the actors in this film, looked like they were picked up off he street. Especially the 'dispossessed' who inhabit the uncle's estate. You can sense what Bunuel was trying to say about hypocrisy in organized catholicism and its understood why (if you know your history on spain) the spanish authorities banned the film until 1977. Its an intoxicating film and quite funny.
'The Phantom of Liberty' is something out of a dream come true for me. It appears to have everything I've ever wanted out of a film and nothing that really holds back. Various characters coming in and out, strange shit happening every time you think you want to blink. The questions and deeper meaning that it gives you to ask about, is quite wonderful. You are left wanting more surrealistic pleasure. I couldn't get enough.
Finally got around to watching Los Olvidados that I DVR'd back in October from TCM.
Nothing like a 64 yr old movie to make you lose all hope in humanity.
The egg to the lense - not sure how it stayed so clean unless they had some kind of clear plastic on top and seemlessly pulled it down. Maybe egg yolk is just that solid to not leave residue?
Mom sleeping with the child murdering child, the blind man even getting fresh with the little girl. You dark, Bunuel, dark.
being a mexican film from the so called "golden age", I saw los olvidados a few times on tv as I was growing up. Seeing it among all the other classic mexican films, it was easy to get lured in expecting a standard "poor people are noble" narrative, only to get punched in the gut halfway through. however, I had the chance of seeing it on the big screen, in 35mm about ten years ago and it left an indelible impression on me, particularly the dream sequence, which I have seen before, but never felt it's power as when I saw in the cinema. It's one of the most disturbing and weird and intense dream sequences ever. Buñuel was equally ruthless with poor and rich alike, and he never had that quality which tends to be overpraised these days of "loving" his characters. he would laugh in the face of such a suggestion.