| Silvia Pinal , Fernando Rey , Francisco
Rabal , Margarita Lozano, Victoria Zinny, Teresa Rabal
After 25 years' exile, Luis Buñuel was invited to his native Spain
to direct Viridiana -- only to have the Spanish government suppress
the film on the grounds of blasphemy and obscenity. Regarded by
many as Buñuel's crowning achievement, the film centers on an idealistic
young nun named Viridiana (Silvia Pinal). Just before taking her
final vows, Viridiana is forced by her mother superior to visit
her wealthy uncle Don Jaime (Fernando Rey), who has "selflessly"
provided for the girl over the years. She has always considered
Don Jaime an unspeakable beast, so she is surprised when he graciously
welcomes her into his home. Just as graciously, he sets about to
corrupt Viridiana beyond redemption -- all because the girl resembles
his late wife. It is always hard to select the most outrageous scene
in any Buñuel film; our candidate in Viridiana is the devastating
"Last Supper" tableau consisting of beggars, thieves,
and degenerates. As joltingly brilliant today as on its first release,
Viridiana won the Golden Palm at the Cannes Film Festival. |