I’ve wondered about this surrealist classic ever since hearing Charlie Black’s condemnation of it in Metropolitan. Given Charlie’s appreciation of the bourgeoisie, I can understand why he was appalled at the film’s representation of the class. Still, it’s probably worth noting that Charlie was far too serious for his own good, and his moralistic tendencies probably prevented him from enjoying the film’s considerable silliness. Yes, it has a point that it makes with all the subtlety of a nuclear bomb, but it has some charms along the way.
That said, I didn’t love this movie, and I think that its standing in the film pantheon is probably exaggerated. It’s very much the product of its era, and I’m not sure it’ll hold up well over time. But if you’re really interested in French cinema, the films of the anti-elite Europeans of that era, Bunuel, or caricatures of randy, sexy, upper-middle-class French ladies (I’ll confess to a strong liking for the ever-gracious and often-drinking ones seen here), the movie has a lot to offer.
Posted by armand at September 25, 2004 02:03 PM | TrackBack | Posted to Movies