Review of Viridiana (1962) by Doctor S — 14 Oct 2008

'Viridiana' Elevates Blasphemy to an Art Form.

Judging by the short synopsis, I didn't figure this would be one of the better Bunuels for me, but its appearance on Turner Classic Movies and my gullible viewing mood sealed my fate. Besides, I've been meaning to see more following Belle de Jour. Not as weird or surreal as I would've liked, but Viridiana - the story of a nun-to-be who gets sidetracked at her uncle's estate before taking her vows - unsurprisingly makes many pointed (and I'm sure many more subtle that I missed) jabs at the Catholic church. Banned upon its release in Spain in 1961, maybe they took offense at the famous Last Supper pose by a variety of degenerate hobos and tricksters. As the director himself said, "It's just a movie," although his tongue surely took cheeky residence.