THE SURREALIST CHARM OF LUIS BUNUEL. I couldn't let the week pass without noting screenings of two outstanding Luis Bunuel movies. The Walter Reade Theater plays host to Viridiana as part of its great Janus Festival this afternoon (at 2) and Friday evening (at 6:15). This great film is remarkable both for its fascinating story (about a convent-educated woman thrust into worldy affairs) and its genesis--Bunuel "returned" from exile to direct the movie in Franco's Spain and managed to sneak it past censors in time for its triumphant Cannes debut, after which it was banned in Spain and blacklisted by the Vatican.

And then there's The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie, Bunuel's artful portrayal of paranoia among the powerful. Repeat viewings can be very rewarding--and today's the last day to catch it at The Film Forum.

For those interested in other Bunuel films that touch on similar themes and images, try The Exterminating Angel and The Phantom of Liberty as well as the following (which include shocking visuals).

Un chien andalou (15:52)




L'Age d'Or (1:03:04)




BONUS In other Bunuel-related news, director Manoela de Oliveira has made Belle toujours, a kind of follow-up to Bunuel's Belle de jour.



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