The Cinema of Luis Buñuel

Module code: SP3145

In this module we will study films from all periods of the work of this leading director of Spanish and World Cinema. The key aspects of Buñuel’s work will be considered, including surrealism, psychoanalysis ethics and humour. We will also look at the way in which Buñuel’s cinematic language explores and develops these themes. We will gain an understanding of Buñuel’s unique cinematic vision and of the intellectual and aesthetic currents that inform it. Through this you will be able to produce close analytical readings of the films which also place them within their social and cultural contexts.

Topics covered

• The background of Luis Buñuel
• Surrealism and psychoanalysis
• Un chien andalou
• L'age d'or
• Los olvidados
• Viridiana
• Belle de jour
• Le charme discret de la bourgeoisie