“The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie” is a surrealist comedy-drama film released in 1972 and directed by the acclaimed Spanish filmmaker Luis Buñuel. The movie explores the absurdities and hypocrisies of the bourgeois class through a series of interconnected vignettes.
Set in a dreamlike world, the film follows a group of upper-class individuals who repeatedly attempt to have a meal together but are constantly interrupted by various bizarre and surreal events. Each time they gather for a meal, something unexpected occurs, preventing them from fulfilling their desires. These interruptions serve as a satirical critique of the bourgeois lifestyle and its preoccupations.
One of the strengths of “The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie” lies in Buñuel’s ability to blend fantasy and reality seamlessly. The film blurs the line between dreams and waking life, creating a surreal and dreamlike atmosphere that reflects the characters’ inner desires and frustrations. Buñuel’s masterful direction and storytelling keep the audience engaged, even as the narrative structure becomes increasingly fragmented.
The film also features sharp social commentary. Through its dark humor and satire, Buñuel exposes the bourgeoisie’s hypocrisy, shallowness, and obsession with social status. The characters are portrayed as self-absorbed and disconnected from the real world, engaging in petty affairs, romantic intrigues, and superficial conversations. Buñuel’s critique of bourgeois values and societal norms remains relevant even today, making the film a timeless piece of cinema.
“The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie” boasts an excellent ensemble cast, including Fernando Rey, Delphine Seyrig, Stéphane Audran, and Jean-Pierre Cassel, who deliver strong performances, perfectly embodying the eccentricities of their characters.
Visually, the film is stunning, with beautiful cinematography by Edmond Richard. The camera work and composition enhance the surreal atmosphere and highlight Buñuel’s artistic vision.
However, it is important to note that the film’s surreal and fragmented narrative style may not appeal to everyone. Some viewers might find it challenging to follow or interpret the events on screen, as Buñuel intentionally blurs the boundaries between reality and illusion.
Overall, “The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie” is a captivating and thought-provoking film that offers a scathing critique of bourgeois society. It is a testament to Buñuel’s talent as a filmmaker and his ability to challenge societal conventions. If you appreciate surrealism, dark humor, and biting social commentary, this film is definitely worth watching.
A surreal, virtually plotless series of dreams centered around six middle-class people and their consistently interrupted attempts to have a meal together.
General information
“The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie” is a surrealist comedy-drama film released in 1972 and directed by the acclaimed Spanish filmmaker Luis Buñuel. The movie explores the absurdities and hypocrisies of the bourgeois class through a series of interconnected vignettes.
Set in a dreamlike world, the film follows a group of upper-class individuals who repeatedly attempt to have a meal together but are constantly interrupted by various bizarre and surreal events. Each time they gather for a meal, something unexpected occurs, preventing them from fulfilling their desires. These interruptions serve as a satirical critique of the bourgeois lifestyle and its preoccupations.
One of the strengths of “The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie” lies in Buñuel’s ability to blend fantasy and reality seamlessly. The film blurs the line between dreams and waking life, creating a surreal and dreamlike atmosphere that reflects the characters’ inner desires and frustrations. Buñuel’s masterful direction and storytelling keep the audience engaged, even as the narrative structure becomes increasingly fragmented.
The film also features sharp social commentary. Through its dark humor and satire, Buñuel exposes the bourgeoisie’s hypocrisy, shallowness, and obsession with social status. The characters are portrayed as self-absorbed and disconnected from the real world, engaging in petty affairs, romantic intrigues, and superficial conversations. Buñuel’s critique of bourgeois values and societal norms remains relevant even today, making the film a timeless piece of cinema.
“The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie” boasts an excellent ensemble cast, including Fernando Rey, Delphine Seyrig, Stéphane Audran, and Jean-Pierre Cassel, who deliver strong performances, perfectly embodying the eccentricities of their characters.
Visually, the film is stunning, with beautiful cinematography by Edmond Richard. The camera work and composition enhance the surreal atmosphere and highlight Buñuel’s artistic vision.
However, it is important to note that the film’s surreal and fragmented narrative style may not appeal to everyone. Some viewers might find it challenging to follow or interpret the events on screen, as Buñuel intentionally blurs the boundaries between reality and illusion.
Overall, “The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie” is a captivating and thought-provoking film that offers a scathing critique of bourgeois society. It is a testament to Buñuel’s talent as a filmmaker and his ability to challenge societal conventions. If you appreciate surrealism, dark humor, and biting social commentary, this film is definitely worth watching.