Luis Bunuel's last film is regarded as his masterpiece. I was shocked to see some arthouse magazines and critics rank it as high as "Top 10 films ever". Its an elegant, perfectly executed, playful, experimental film, like all of his films. Most of it plays as an intentionally predictable study of delusion and abuse, very akin to Kubrick's Lolita (although this film is based on an earlier story), but somehow this film gets more respect. Its not as well shot or well acted or cleverly written... until the climax. "Obscure" has an ending that brilliantly recontextualizes every single moment into MORE than a ripoff or cliche love tragedy. A classic Bunuel "fuck you" moment that is surreal, political, upsetting and well earned. It seems so close to copping out and becoming the bourgeois fluff piece it appears to be and then it becomes a bitter battle cry and call to arms. I've said enough. Maybe not his best and maybe it is, but its essential viewing.
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