Customer Reviews

Objects of Desire: conversations with Luis Bunuel

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is probably the best collection of interviews with a filmmaker ever published. It is not some retread to "My Last Sigh" but a great read full of insight, intelligence, that typical Buñuel style and of course, a study of great cinema. It's a fascinating book, where Buñuel discusses his life and works and how he came to be inspired to make some of his greatest films like "Un Chien Andalou," "Viridiana" and "That Obscure Object Of Desire." And it's also great to read as Buñuel discusses his philosophies of life and surrealism. The interviewers create a great conversation with a genius and take us into his mind. Some of the classic works of the cinema are dissected here in intricate detail and Buñuel offers some sly humor to the discussions. A surprise is that you realize that Buñuel's personal life is as interesting, fascinating and incredibile as his movies. Some people may not want to take a look at this book after reading "My Last Sigh," thinking it's basically the same stuff, well, it's not. Luis Buñuel was a very complex man in his thinking and this book gives us a good tour of the man. A must for lovers of great cinema and fans of surrealism and Buñuel. Lorca, Dalí, and the surrealists are all discussed here, even the gruesome, fatal fates of the two actors of "Un Chien Andalou." Great book.

This is absolutely essential reading for fans of the enigmatic and reclusive Bunuel, whose career in motion pictures spanned 50 years. He is interviewed, and at times interrogated, by his friends, allowing the discussion to veer into his personal life and various obsessions with good humor and mutual understanding. The verbal sparring is a joy to observe.

The book has been compiled in a chronological order and it will give you a good sample of his long life, from his friendship with the key Surrealists like Salvador Dali, to his amusing anecdotes of Hollywood. An easy and entertaining introduction to the life and art of a complex genius, and a fantastic guide to each of his film -- Criterion has reprinted some of these as supplements to their new DVD editions.