|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| DIARY OF A CHAMBERMAID (1964) | |
|
|
Celestine
(Jeanne Moreau), a street-smart Parisian woman, has recently accepted the
position as a chambermaid for an aristocratic family that resides in a
rural area of France. When Celestine arrives to the location of her new
employer she quickly identifies the different roles of the aristocratic
family and the servants. The old man and owner of the château enjoy his
seclusion where he dives into his tabooed desires while the daughter is
unpleasantly controlling of everything that takes place in the château.
Tthe daughter’s husband is constantly on the hunt for new trophies,
either game or women. And the hired farmer who takes care of the
estate is planning a fascist coup while the female servants are
persistently oppressed by traditions and values set by social environment.
Luis Buñuel's unique persona shines through in Diary of a Chambermaid as it presents politics on a grass root level. Yet, it is a very different film from his other films as it deals with a different theme and is present in a different angle than his other creations. Buñuel displays several upper-class rules and expectations, but also the hypocrisy behind the aristocratic values. For example, Buñuel shows a very realistic view of the socioeconomic oppression of women in an environment that is built on traditions and social rules. These customs are under scrutiny as Celestine silently transgresses from the norms of her society. In the end, Buñuel offers his view of an aristocratic life style and its influence on the people in it, which leaves the audience with a terrific cinematic experience that offers both insights and thoughts. |
|
DIRECTED BY |
|
|
COUNTRY |
|
|
France / Italy |
|
| REVIEWED | |
| 4/18/2004 | |
| GRADE | |
 |
|
|
|
The Internet Movie Database. |
