Watch The Obscure Object Of Desire

The Obscure Object of Desire, also known as Cet obscur objet du désir, is a 1977 French-Spanish film directed by Luis Buñuel, starring Fernando Rey and Carole Bouquet. The film is based on the novel The Woman and the Puppet by Pierre Louÿs. The movie tells the story of Mathieu, an aging French gentleman, who becomes infatuated with a young Spanish flamenco dancer named Conchita. Conchita initially shows interest in Mathieu but then repeatedly rejects his advances. Despite this, Mathieu becomes increasingly obsessed with the girl and continues to pursue her, leading to a series of surreal and unpredictable events.

One of the unique elements of the film is the fact that Conchita is played by two different actresses, Ángela Molina and Carole Bouquet, who switch back and forth throughout the movie, often without explanation. This unconventional decision enhances the surreal and dreamlike quality of the film, blurring the lines between reality and fantasy.

The movie addresses themes of desire, obsession, class differences, and the inherent power dynamics between men and women. It delves deep into the male psyche and the roots of desire, exploring the idea that men often see women primarily as objects of their own desire, rather than as autonomous individuals with their own thoughts and desires.

The film also shows the destructive nature of male obsession and how it ultimately leads to the downfall of the male character. Mathieu's increasingly erratic behavior and inability to come to terms with the fact that he can never truly possess Conchita are clear signs of his obsession spiraling out of control.

Overall, The Obscure Object of Desire is a haunting and deeply unsettling film that takes a critical look at gender relations and the destructive nature of male desire. Its surreal and dreamlike qualities make it an art house classic and a must-watch for fans of Buñuel's work.

The Obscure Object Of Desire is a 1977 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 43 minutes.