After dumping a bucket of water on a beautiful young woman from the window of a train car, wealthy Frenchman Mathieu, regales his fellow passengers with the story of the dysfunctional relationship between himself and the young woman in question, a fiery 19-year-old flamenco dancer named Conchita. What follows is a tale of cruelty, depravity and lies -- the very building blocks of love.
In his final film, Luis Buñuel tells the story of Mathieu, a wealthy and aging man who becomes obsessed with a young woman named Conchita. His desire is complicated by her refusal to consummate their relationship until she is married. The film humorously explores themes of obsession, desire, and the elusive nature of satisfaction.
That Obscure Object of Desire was widely acclaimed by critics for its surreal humor, stylish direction, and thought-provoking exploration of desire. The decision to cast two different actresses, Carole Bouquet and Angela Molina, as the same character was a notable talking point, adding to the film's enigmatic quality. It is considered a masterpiece of Buñuel's later work and a significant film in surrealist cinema.
Google audience: Audiences found the film to be a darkly comedic and intelligent examination of desire and unattainable objects. Many appreciated its unique narrative structure and the provocative performances, though some found its pacing deliberate.
Nominated for two Academy Awards: Best Foreign Language Film and Best Adapted Screenplay. Also nominated for a Golden Globe for Best Foreign Film.
Luis Buñuel famously cast two different actresses, Carole Bouquet and Angela Molina, to play the same character, Conchita, to reflect the dual and often contradictory nature of desire and perception.
AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources
