A seemingly genteel, nostalgic feature from the master of the surreal, Luis Buñuel, Tristana is caustic in its exploration of power, corruption and manipulation.
On the death of her mother, a young Tristana (Catherine Deneuve) is placed under the guardianship of a once-wealthy Fernando Rey. Abusing his position, he becomes her lover and her father. As the years pass, an increasingly embittered Tristana makes an escape with artist lover Franco Nero. But she cannot stay away for long.
A pre-Civil war Spain and the religiously important city of Toledo provide the backdrop for Buñuel to critique class, the controlling state, church and people with their irrational emotions and frailities. Tristana seemingly glides as a narrative – no overt emotions, no excessive melodrama – in spite of its social and sexual commentary.
Nominated for the 1971 best foreign language Oscar.
Rating: 63%
Director: Luis Buñuel (The Discrete Charm of the Bourgeoisie, Viridiana)
Writer: Julio Alejandro (Feliz año amor mío, Viridiana)
Main cast: Catherine Deneuve (Belle de jour, Les voleurs), Fernando Rey (The Discrete Charm of the Bourgeoisie, The French Connection), Franco Nero (Django Unchained, La danza nera)
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