Viridiana (Luis Buñuel)
Thursday, March 08, 2007
Using my free WHSmith's online rental service I borrowed Luis Buñuel's Viridiana. As a Christian the subject matter proved challenging, but I do not regret watching the movie - for faith is merely a belief when left unchallenged (nevertheless, I am not a Catholic and this probably helped - the movie itself has been condemned by the Vatican).
To summarise the plot, without unduly giving away any of the storyline I refer to infofreak's summary as posted on IMDB:
I agree with or empathise with many of this film's finer points and believe that rather than assaulting the christian teachings it highlights the intricacies and difficulties of interpreting and following them without proper guidance. The film's portrayal of the "poor-afflicted" that fail to change their ways amid outpourings of generosity is scathing and without sorrow but in no way dehumanising. It is these elements that create the most compelling cinema in the 'Last Supper' fall out; from laughter to debauchery and violence and back again.
Reading into the history of Spain and the situation that led to this film's birth I have come to understand the message within. Loosely, for the symbolism and hidden meaning weaved throughout could be discussed only thoroughly in a short book, is that prosperity and life comes through dedication and hard work by those that wish to make something of themselves. And that a life spent helping those that want it but do not respect it, is the harder and less rewarding (both to yourself and to society) path, one destined for betrayal and never-ending hardship.
I personally respect those that dedicate their life to the hardships of others, sharing the burdens in attempt to reimburse others losses. I don't believe Buñuel's portrayal of the rotten's inability to change to be true, yet it does hold weight with a number of human traits-the sins of pride, greed and lust being prime examples. I do however agree that this path of unbridled generosity to everyone and anyone can be damaging and is certainly not the correct route for social recovery and rejuvenation. Instead respect should be given to those that are capable and worthy of making it on their own, and care given to those that fall by the way side. In neither case should one preside over the other - finding the best balance seems the key to social and economic prosperity for everyone.
To wrap this up I couldn't find a clip from the film but Google Video has a fascinating interview which I have embedded below:
To summarise the plot, without unduly giving away any of the storyline I refer to infofreak's summary as posted on IMDB:
Beautiful and devout Viridiana (Silvia Pinal in an impressive performance) is about to take her final vows as a nun, and enter a convent. At the urging of her Mother Superior she takes a short break to visit her estranged Uncle and benefactor Don Jaime (Bunuel regular, the always wonderful Fernando Rey). Reluctantly she does so thinking it will be the last time she sees him before devoting her life to God. Don Jaime, a complex man, has other plans for Viridiana - he wants to take her as his wife. What follows is unpredictable, fascinating and an almost perfect piece of film making. Highly controversial in its day, and accused of blasphemy, it may not be as shocking to our cynical, secular eyes, but it still packs a punch, and is highly recommended. One of Luis Bunuel's greatest achievements.
I agree with or empathise with many of this film's finer points and believe that rather than assaulting the christian teachings it highlights the intricacies and difficulties of interpreting and following them without proper guidance. The film's portrayal of the "poor-afflicted" that fail to change their ways amid outpourings of generosity is scathing and without sorrow but in no way dehumanising. It is these elements that create the most compelling cinema in the 'Last Supper' fall out; from laughter to debauchery and violence and back again.
Reading into the history of Spain and the situation that led to this film's birth I have come to understand the message within. Loosely, for the symbolism and hidden meaning weaved throughout could be discussed only thoroughly in a short book, is that prosperity and life comes through dedication and hard work by those that wish to make something of themselves. And that a life spent helping those that want it but do not respect it, is the harder and less rewarding (both to yourself and to society) path, one destined for betrayal and never-ending hardship.
I personally respect those that dedicate their life to the hardships of others, sharing the burdens in attempt to reimburse others losses. I don't believe Buñuel's portrayal of the rotten's inability to change to be true, yet it does hold weight with a number of human traits-the sins of pride, greed and lust being prime examples. I do however agree that this path of unbridled generosity to everyone and anyone can be damaging and is certainly not the correct route for social recovery and rejuvenation. Instead respect should be given to those that are capable and worthy of making it on their own, and care given to those that fall by the way side. In neither case should one preside over the other - finding the best balance seems the key to social and economic prosperity for everyone.
To wrap this up I couldn't find a clip from the film but Google Video has a fascinating interview which I have embedded below:
Labels: Art-house, Documentary, Movie
Posted by FofR
| Permalink
|
