I tried not to be influenced by the acclaim this film already has, the halo effect. But there's a reason why it is so rated.
It's a masterclass in understatement. What isn't said is more powerful than what is shown on the surface.
I tried not to be influenced by the acclaim this film already has, the halo effect. But there's a reason why it is so rated.
It's a masterclass in understatement. What isn't said is more powerful than what is shown on the surface.
It won me over. It taps into that uneasy sense of antipathy, of ennui, that pervades youth - something that's easy to forget about as you grow older.
It also captures that odd vibe from the 1990s, something I still can't quite put my finger on.
Steve Buscemi does incredibly well to turn what should be a limp loser into a likeable and sympathetic character.
Aesthetically, Belle de Jour is rich. Every suit is finely cut; every dress fits snugly. These clothes are made with meaning. The interiors are vivid and the cinematography is luscious. The acting is flawless. The pacing is tight, as months flying by in minutes. All this is a testament to the attention to detail Luis Buñuel must have channeled into his film's construction. It still feels fresh and relevant, even while its insights have aged.
The plot and characters are…