Viridiana (1961)
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Viridiana Movie Review
Viridiana is a 1961 Spanish film directed by Luis Bunuel. It’s a problematic, but definitely very strong film that has to leave some strong impression on each and every viewer.
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“I know my own weakness,
and whatever I do will be humble.
But, however little it is,
I want to do it alone“
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Viridiana’s storyline is troublesome to say the least. The story itself is interesting, but the message behind it I found very transgressive and problematic. The movie’s anti-Christian and very much against religion, civilization or any kind of morality whatsoever. Although I found it brave for those ideas, especially revolutionary for a 60s film, I still do not agree with those personally so the movie’s message did not suit me at all.
The movie is interestingly plotted, there is no denying that. The implied rape makes the thing interesting from very early in the film as does the atmospheric approach in its production design. Also, the man’s death led to a major plot change which made the movie fresh once again. And it ends very provocatively too.
However, because I found Jorge to be absolutely horrible and honestly punchable in his behavior, I found the protagonist’s decision to enter into a ménage a trois with him and his girlfriend extremely uncomfortable and just very unlikable. He’s just horrible and the uncle is also terrible leading to a very sexist movie in its portrayal of men in my opinion as both are simply giant predators. Again, that comes with its strengths as the movie treats this issue of men objectifying and pursuing women very bravely and head-on.
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As for the central character herself, Silvia Pinal really delivered a strong performance here and the journey of hers is undeniably interesting, but still somewhat problematic having in mind that she shifted her personality and way of life way too much towards the end, but then again that made for a very intriguing movie. Yes, that is the thing with this film and me. Everything is done for better and for worse and every plot point I both dislike and really like.
Viridiana’s treatment of the poor is also done for better and for worse and it all depends upon one’s attitude towards this subject and how you would respond to it. I found its message either racist or realistic depending on the viewpoint as it portrays how you cannot really help the poor as they remain rude and very difficult to help. I could see the logic behind this, but I still found it overly negative and nihilistic as is the whole movie.
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The biggest strength of the film is its willingness to move things quickly and to move from one crazy plot point to another in a very fascinating manner. It’s a very memorable movie because of its one of a kind storyline and the pacing and runtime are excellent. Bunuel’s direction is also superb as is the cinematography and production design. As I said above, the movie is imbued with a lot of memorable atmosphere, imagery and interestingly scored, dramatic moments here and there.
Viridiana is very well directed, strongly filmed, atmospheric and memorable in its imagery and its impressively different, crazy plot points. This is a movie that you either buy or you don’t depending on what you think of its message. It is a transgressive movie against any morality whatsoever and I personally had a problem with that as I do not agree with those sentiments, but then again that made the movie a very interesting and provocative cinematic experience.
