The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie [Le Charme Discret de la Bourgeoisie] ***** (1972, Fernando Rey, Delphine Seyrig, Paul Frankeur) – Classic Movie Review 2632

Co-writer/director Luis Buñuel’s wonderful surrealist comedy of manners and satire on social mores and class hypocrisy won the 1973 Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film (for France). It is an unmissable Buñuel classic.

Behind all the film’s charm and the foolery lies scathing satire, not just at the expense of the bourgeoisie, but the government, the church and the military too.

In the story, six wealthy middle-class friends arrive at a home for dinner, but can’t find their host, and their attempts to have a meal together are continually interrupted by bizarre occurrences. 

Buñuel orchestrates his perfect cast and screenplay (in collaboration with Jean-Claude Carrière) with the playful ease of the veteran movie magician that he was to turn this film into the highlight of his mature period.

Fernando Rey, Paul Frankeur and Delphine Seyrig are particularly impeccable as the ambassador Don Rafael Acosta, M Thévenot and his wife Simone Thévenot. Also notable in the cast are Stéphane Audran, Bulle Ogier, Jean-Pierre Cassel, Julien Bertheau, Michel Piccoli, Claude Pieplu, Muni, Milena Vutotic, George Douking, Bernard Mousson and François Maistre.

Buñuel and Carrière won the 1974 Bafta award for Best Screenplay.

© Derek Winnert 2015 Classic Movie Review 2632

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