6 out of 7 people found the following review helpful:

The bourgeoisie seem to talk sh*t... says Bunuel

A Customer from Nottingham, England, 5th December, 2005

Compared to earlier Bunuel films, 'The Discreet Charm...' is relatively cohesive. However, to expect any semblance of a real plot from the surrealist master is asking far too much. It is best with Bunuel to simply sit back and let him take you where he will, and then see what pops into your head as a result. Social conventions are explicitly and absurdly overturned and questions are asked of the Church, high society and judicial systems. Bunuel evidently gets great satisfaction from poking fun at anything that crosses his path. There is more than a mere hint of Bunuel's influence in Monty Python; you can always expect a good chuckle. If you want to experience a more surreal film then look earlier in his oeuvre, at 'L'age d'Or', or the infamous 'Un chien Andalou'. If you want a little more plot and sense from your film, his most 'sensible' film is certainly 'Cet obscur objet du desir'. This is an excellent film, with a satisfying balance of the ridiculous, the unexpected and amusing, satire, and social comment.

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4 out of 4 people found the following review helpful:

The power of one idea

Zamy from , 28th March, 2006

Around 1960 Bunuel made a film in Mexico called 'The Exterminating Angel' about a dinner party where the guests found themselves inexplicably unable to leave. From this one idea Bunuel was able to explore the more ridiculous aspects of middle class behaviour. After the success of 'Belle de Jour' in 1968 Bunuel found that, although approaching 70 there were plenty of people prepared to finance his projects. This film turns the 'idea' of 'Exterminating Angel' on its head and this time the middle class diners find themselves unable to sit down to a meal despite many attempts. Once again he explores ridiculous behaviours inserting seamlessly a few dreams along the way. A wonderful film and nothing is so charming and discrete as the unrealistic shots of our group of 'chums' walking together through the French countryside.

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2 out of 3 people found the following review helpful:

Bunuel Dreams

A Customer from Derry, Ireland, 29th April, 2005

'Discreet Charm' may not be to everyone's taste but it is a true classic of European cinema and surrealism from the man who learned his art through collaboration with Salvador Dali. Following a small group of shallow, self-obsessed, middle class friends, the movie unpacks their fears and their secrets in a complex series of dreams and recollections. Luis Bunuel remains a genius of film direction and he pokes fun as much at the viewer as he does at his characters, which no bad thing. Treat yourself to this clever, funny, strange and provactive show.

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Bonkers!

Oldbloke from from Sidmouth, 20th September, 2009

A four star movie, unanimously adored by critics, but Bunuel is an very much an acquired taste. This clever satire of a group of well to do socialites trying to dine together is frequently amusing but mostly plain weird! Don't worry if you don't get it, you won't be alone.

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Sursiks and sensibilities

Squizz from , 21st March, 2007

The exploits of Don Rafael Acosta, ambassador for the Mirandan Republic, and his endlessly socialising middle-class friends. It features death, war, terrorism, drugs, sex, class, politics, dreams, history, the perfect dry martini and a chronic inability to get a decent meal. It's about none of these of course, Bunuel being the master surrealist he was. Clues may be found in Rafael's astrological reading (he shares the directors' birthday) - or maybe not. As the film makes clear, everything's a matter of perception. Memorable imagery and funny with it. Possibly the only film where repetition and continual frustration for both characters and viewers is so entertaining. Outside of 'Holiday on the Buses', obviously.

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Overtly discreet

Cato from , 9th January, 2006

Dated and slightly over-rated, this is a film about the pretentiousness of the middle classes in France in the 1970s. The whole film, even the realistic passages, is conducteed in a surrealistic fashion, as one would have expected from Bunuel, a master of that genre. Indeed, at times it's hard to distinguish between reality and dream. The basis of the plot is a meal which never really happens, with the characters traipsing from house to house expecting their bourgeois dinner. There is much comedy along the way, with an overtly sexual sub-plot as each of the guests seems to be involved with another. However, it all seemed a bit old hat now, and I enjoyed 'La Regle du Jeu', another film exposing the French bourgeoisie, a lot more, even if it was over 30 years older.

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