The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie

December 13, 20128:30pm

Newly restored for its fortieth anniversary, this influential Oscar-winning classic constitutes one of the finest achievements of one of cinema’s greatest directors, working in his intensely creative late period. This comedy of manners centres on a group of vividly drawn and outwardly respectable upper middle-class friends, who are continually thwarted in their attempt to have a meal together. Unsurprisingly in a film from surrealist pioneer Bunuel, the interruptions become increasingly bizarre as the film progresses and flits between reality and fantasy. The film was voted 132nd in Sight and Sounds Directors Poll of the greatest films ever made.

Discreetly dreamlike, charmingly stylish and quite unrepentantly surreal, its clearly the work of a master in his wickedly witty prime. Geoff Andrew, BFI.

The film feels more relevant than ever. David Jenkins, Little White Lies.

The greatest directors can carry us along breathlessly on the wings of their own imaginations, so that we don’t ask questions we simply have an experience. Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times.

Remains both an amusing satire on polite society and a tricksy exercise in pulling the rug out from under our expectations. Dave Calhoun, Time Out.

Awards include . Best Actress and Best Screenplay, BAFTAs Best Film, French Syndicate of Cinema Critics Best Director and Best Film, National Society of Film Critics Awards (USA) The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie Dir. Luis Bunuel, (1972), France/Italy/Spain, (15), 102 mins. Fernando Rey, Delphine Seyrig, Paul Frankeur, Stephane Audran. Newly restored for its fortieth anniversary, this influential Oscar-winning classic constitutes one of the finest achievements of one of cinemas greatest directors, working in his intensely creative late period. This comedy of manners centres on a group of vividly drawn and outwardly respectable upper middle-class friends, who are continually thwarted in their attempt to have a meal together. Unsurprisingly in a film from surrealist pioneer Bunuel, the interruptions become increasingly bizarre as the film progresses and flits between reality and fantasy. The film was voted 132nd in Sight and Sounds Directors Poll of the greatest films ever made. What the critics said Discreetly dreamlike, charmingly stylish and quite unrepentantly surreal, its clearly the work of a master in his wickedly witty prime. Geoff Andrew, BFI. The film feels more relevant than ever. David Jenkins, Little White Lies. The greatest directors can carry us along breathlessly on the wings of their own imaginations, so that we dont ask questions we simply have an experience. Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times. Remains both an amusing satire on polite society and a tricksy exercise in pulling the rug out from under our expectations. Dave Calhoun, Time Out. Awards include Best Foreign Language Film Oscar. Best Actress and Best Screenplay, BAFTAs Best Film, French Syndicate of Cinema Critics Best Director and Best Film, National Society of Film Critics Awards (USA)ic aperitif.’ Jake Euker, filmcritic .com


Film Information
Release year: 1972
Running time:   102 mins
Directed by: Luis Bunuel
Language: French, Spanish (English subtitles)
Country: France, Spain
Classification:
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Starring: Fernando Rey,
Delphine Seyrig,
Paul Frankeur,
Stephane Audran
Awards: Oscar Best Foreign Language Film,
BAFTA Best Original Screenplay & Best Actress (Audran)
WFC Audience Score:  63%

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