Sometime in the late '70s I saw The Graduate which sort of popped my cherry regarding inappropriate relations, sexual affairs and seduction. At the time I was shocked, I say shocked to find out fornicating was going on there. I told my mother about it and she said yes, it is shocking. After that it's been a slippery slope. Nowadays we see porno on network TV.
But in 1961 defloration, of a nun no less, must have been over the top. So there's that. So here's my question. Was Buñuel a genius or was he a twisted genius? I guess it doesn't really matter.
First of all, the print I have of this film (actually DVD) has very high contrast which gives it remarkable depth of view. I have no idea if it was filmed that way or it was enhanced digitally. But I believed the lighting must have been done carefully. Even if enhanced, the depth had to be their first anyway. Nest pas? My point is for a mid-century b&w film it looks like 3D.
I'll dispense with the social commentary. Notice Viridana's perfect legs when she undresses. Sensuous. She looks great in the wedding gown. You naughty nun girl! You dirty incestuous wanabee necrophiliac uncle!!
One of the best scenes in all of film is the peasants banquet. Pure magic. Where did he dig up these actors? Most actors are beautiful and svelte. Not here. Was this scene rehearsed? How did they clean up that mess? Did he give them free reign, how was it even possible to script all that debasement and debauchery? Once the wine spilled on the tablecloth I didn't expect to see a rape behind the sofa. Kudos.
But in 1961 defloration, of a nun no less, must have been over the top. So there's that. So here's my question. Was Buñuel a genius or was he a twisted genius? I guess it doesn't really matter.
First of all, the print I have of this film (actually DVD) has very high contrast which gives it remarkable depth of view. I have no idea if it was filmed that way or it was enhanced digitally. But I believed the lighting must have been done carefully. Even if enhanced, the depth had to be their first anyway. Nest pas? My point is for a mid-century b&w film it looks like 3D.
I'll dispense with the social commentary. Notice Viridana's perfect legs when she undresses. Sensuous. She looks great in the wedding gown. You naughty nun girl! You dirty incestuous wanabee necrophiliac uncle!!
One of the best scenes in all of film is the peasants banquet. Pure magic. Where did he dig up these actors? Most actors are beautiful and svelte. Not here. Was this scene rehearsed? How did they clean up that mess? Did he give them free reign, how was it even possible to script all that debasement and debauchery? Once the wine spilled on the tablecloth I didn't expect to see a rape behind the sofa. Kudos.