Luis Buñuel: A Biography

A Master of Surrealist Cinema

Luis Buñuel, the Spanish-born filmmaker, is considered one of the most influential directors of the 20th century. His work is characterized by its surreal imagery, dark humor, and social commentary. Buñuel's films have been praised for their originality, their technical brilliance, and their ability to provoke thought and emotion.

Early Life and Career

Luis Buñuel was born in Calanda, Spain, in 1900. He studied philosophy and literature at the University of Madrid, where he became involved in the avant-garde art movement. In the 1920s, Buñuel moved to Paris, where he worked as an assistant to the surrealist filmmaker Jean Cocteau.

Surrealist Masterpieces

Buñuel's first major film, Un Chien Andalou (1929), was a collaboration with Salvador Dalí. The film is a surrealist masterpiece that is full of strange and dreamlike imagery. Buñuel's next film, L'Âge d'Or (1930), was even more controversial. The film was banned in several countries for its depiction of sexual violence and blasphemy.

Buñuel in Hollywood

In the 1930s, Buñuel moved to Hollywood, where he made several films for MGM. However, he found the Hollywood studio system too restrictive, and he soon returned to Europe.

Return to Europe

In the 1940s and 1950s, Buñuel made some of his most acclaimed films, including Los Olvidados (1950), Viridiana (1961), and Belle de Jour (1967). These films are all characterized by their social realism, their complex characters, and their beautiful cinematography.

Later Career

In the 1970s and 1980s, Buñuel continued to make films, including The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie (1972), That Obscure Object of Desire (1977), and Labyrinth of Passion (1982). These films are all marked by their surreal imagery, their dark humor, and their social commentary.

Legacy

Luis Buñuel died in Mexico City in 1983. He is considered one of the most important filmmakers of the 20th century. His work has influenced countless other filmmakers, and it continues to be studied and admired by audiences around the world.

Why You Should Read This Book

Ado Kyrou's biography of Luis Buñuel is a comprehensive and insightful look at the life and work of this master filmmaker. Kyrou provides a detailed analysis of Buñuel's films, and he also explores the director's personal life and his relationships with other artists. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of cinema.

Order Your Copy Today!

Luis Buñuel: A Biography is available now from all major booksellers. Order your copy today and start exploring the world of this cinematic genius!