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That Obscure Object of Desire, 1977

That Obscure Object of Desire

French, Spanish

France, Spain

Rating:7.9
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Profile of That Obscure Object of Desire

That Obscure Object of Desire can be described as sexy, cynical, and clever. The plot revolves around a destructive relationship, obsession, and power relations. Its comic aspect comes from dark humor and satire. Its main genres are foreign, drama, and comedy. In terms of style, it is surreal. In approach, it is realistic. That Obscure Object of Desire is located in Spain. It takes place in the 20th century. It is based on a book. That Obscure Object of Desire has received attention for being a masterpiece, essential viewing, and an award winner. Note that it involves mild violent content, nudity, and profanity.

Summary of That Obscure Object of Desire

Luis Buñuel's last film is a celebration of the vigor of sexual obsession and the sovereignty of the subconscious. From the instant Mathieu (Fernando Rey) lays eyes on Conchita (played by both Carole Bouquet and Angela Molina), he cannot help but pursue this beautiful and unknowable young woman. She remains just outside his grasp, teasing him with the promise of fulfilled desire while always, finally, denying him the pleasure he wants. As Mathieu becomes more distraught, he resorts to extreme emotional blackmail by threatening to have her deported from France. Meanwhile, the Revolutionary Army of the Infant Jesus, an anarchic guerrilla group, is blowing up everything in sight. Nominated for two Academy Awards including Best Foreign Language Film, THAT OBSCURE OBJECT OF DESIRE is darkly humorous. Themes of sexual obsession and failed machismo in an atmosphere of civil upheaval recall Buñuel's earlier films like THE CRIMINAL LIFE OF ARCHIBALDO DE LA CRUZ and THE DISCREET CHARM OF THE BOURGEOISIE. Employing his characteristic surrealistic tricks, Buñuel taunts the audience by using two actresses who look alike to play the female lead. The result is a tongue-in-cheek comedy of manners that embodies the familiar themes and extreme characters that Buñuel obsessively portrayed in films throughout his career.

Details

Language: French, Spanish
Country: France, Spain
Release date: 8 October 1977
Runtime: 102 min

Cast and Crew

Fernando Rey

as Mathieu

Carole Bouquet as Conchita in That Obscure Object of Desire
Carole Bouquet

as Conchita

Photos

That Obscure Object of Desire (1977)
That Obscure Object of Desire (1977)

Critics Reviews

Entertainment Weekly
The lightness with which Buñuel was able to insert the little jokes and knife stabs of surrealism he loved so much is, in fact, divine.
Variety
A gem-like, almost hypnotic, tale of an older man's obsession with a young woman.
Likely to see
Not for me

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