Kirpianuscus
a story of jealousy. the context, the acting, the script does it credible. Bunuel does it fantastic. because, like each of his films, El is a trip in the heart of reality. the humor and tension and plot are tools of entomologist. the irony becomes cold instrument for define the fall of a man for who desire and love are pillars of personal hell. a film who gives portrait of society more than a case from many. and that does El seductive. because it is, in many moments, the story of the viewer. crumbs from ordinary events, gestures who seems be ordinaries. the fear who change entire life. and the solution who could be too realistic for ignore it. a film about love. in its darkness' sides.
christopher-underwood
Although slightly more melodramatic, I feel this does have the edge over the later, 'Criminal Life of Archibaldo de La Cruz', which covers similar territory with more humour. A gripping and frightening tale of obsession that has a surprisingly large amount of echoes of Hitchcock's later, 'Vertigo' and seemingly that director took the bell tower sequence in its entirety. Still, who cares, great films remain great films, even when their inspiration may be revealed. The ending is low key but we are left in little doubt as to the state of mind of our hero/villain. Great performances help what might have seemed a preposterous tale, ring only too true. Probably best watched after Archibaldo, then the impact will be all the more great.
Galina
"El" (1953) aka "This Strange Passion/Torments" is more disturbing than funny portrait of an aristocrat, Francisco Galvan de Montemayor (Arturo de Cordova), attractive, rich, religious middle-aged man who goes from courteous and reasonable to possessive, suspicious, and finally to completely insane because of his pathological jealousy. What he decided to do to his young wife Gloria (Delia Garcés) to punish her for and prevent himself from the acts of infidelity that she had committed strictly in his mind, is very scary. Of course, it is Bunuel and the film has as much drama as his typical irony and dark humor but the film is very dark and unsettling. This is nothing light about obsessions - jealousy is an incurable and insatiable "monster with green eyes"
JoeKarlosi
This was the first film I decided to watch from director Luis Bunuel and I had no idea what to expect from EL going into it, but it really intrigued me in different ways -- not only with the general story, but also in the visual style with which it was realized. There were surprises at every turn, and the acting by the leading man Arturo de Cordova was superb. What began as a pretty standard-looking (though nicely photographed) soap opera wound up transforming into a striking melodrama with some oddly disturbing moments. I don't know how indicative this one movie is of Luis Bunuel's general approach, but if the others are anywhere near as interesting, I look forward to trying them out. He seems ahead of his time, judging by this film.*** out of ****
AD
