Luis Buñuel: Surrealist master

[John]

I'm going to follow staahsha's suit with the Bergman discussion and start one about Luis Buñuel.

I'll get things started... has anyone seen the recently released Exterminating Angel? I went bananas for it. My favorites from Buñuel:

-Phantom of Liberty
-Exterminating Angel
-Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie
-Diary of a Chambermaid
-Belle de Jour

[staahsha]

nO. ok what is exterminating angel, about?

[John]

Here's the NF description:
Following an elegant dinner party, the guests begin to realize that they can't leave the house in this absurdist satire written and directed by surrealist maestro Luis Buñuel. With no servants, the upper-crust group slowly loses its civility. As conditions worsen, they descend into savagery, experimenting with witchcraft, stuffing dead party guests into the closet, and cooking slaughtered sheep over fires of burning furniture.

Think of it as the wacky Spanish cousin of Discreet Charm and Phantom of Liberty. It's definitely one of my five favorite movies that feature sheep. In fact, the ending is very, very similar to Phantom of Liberty.

[staahsha]

omg, a grown up Lord of the Flies! It sounds great!

[John]

I spent the bulk of the movie laughing at their ridiculous behavior. It's classic Buñuel- all about stripping away social conventions, and the way people react to that.

[staahsha]

I think I've mentioned this before, but have you gotten around to an Italian picture called Fists in the Pocket? Parts of this even miffed Bunuel who was incensed by a certain scene that was very disrespectful of the main character's mother. You know the Spaniards and their mothers! Anyway, this film is really a non sequitor, never seen anything like before or since. You should check it out if you haven't yet.

[BiffWorld]

I went on a bit of a Bunuel binge a few months ago, and my favorite was Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie- it was like watching theater of the absurd but cleverly filmed. I also watched The Object of Desire, interesting primarily because the leading lady is played by two different actresses, throw in a few random bombings and a twisted love affair and you have a pretty great film. Even better, though, was Belle de Jour.

I've not seen the Exterminating Angel, but it sounds boffo and is now at the top of my queue- thanks for the discussion.

[staahsha]

Speaking of theater of the absurd, have you seen the Beckett on film dvds? Incredible, unforgettable, haunting words and images.

[John]

Even better, though, was Belle de Jour.

The existence of Catherine Deneuve is why I'm an agnostic and not an atheist.

I think I've mentioned this before, but have you gotten around to an Italian picture called Fists in the Pocket?
Speaking of theater of the absurd, have you seen the Beckett on film dvds? Incredible, unforgettable, haunting words and images

I have not... in fact, I haven't heard of them. I'll check them out- great tip!

[staahsha]

omg, are you in for a treat, let's discuss as soon as you ssee them! lol

[John]

I need to pay better attention to what's in my queue. Apparently I already had Fists in my queue.

[NewfMom]

Hmm.... I think there is still hope for me for liking Bunuel. I do like Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie. I saw Diary of a Chambermaid not to long ago, and it is okay... old guy with shoe fettish! LOL
I am yet to see Belle de Jour.