Review of Viridiana (1962) by Ninon M — 19 Jul 2017

Surrealist maestro Luis Bunuel's first Spanish-made feature tells a bizarre tale of lust, charity and skewed humanity.

Viridiana can essentially be separated into two parts - an introductory tragedy which plays like a vampiric rendition of Vertigo, followed by a thoughtful tragi-comedy documenting the pitfalls and perils of well-to-do charity.

The film is bathed in blatant symbolism, from close-ups of cats chasing mice to shots documenting dastardly characters as they ponder crucifix daggers. But its Viridiana's subtler motifs and surprise-riddled characters that really permeate through this oddly artificial pitch black melodrama.

We sit in wonder and distrust as we watch Bunuel's players walk in circles, waiting for that one game of cards that will stay with us forever.