There's an interesting documentary on the (boxset) DVD version. In it the ending (the shot of the clouds and lighting) is described as highlighting the cyclical structure of the film. If you recall, the film opens with smoke clouds from the train Celestine is riding. So while Celestine initially looked set to subvert the lives of her bourgeoise masters, in the end she was just consumed by them.
The cloud could also be a portent of the coming fascism. I didn't know who Chiappe was though http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jean_Chiappe. Just read the link you provided. Makes sense.
I wondered about the strange cutting as the protesters were walking down the street. Perhaps that might also be an indication of fatalism: even by 'fast-forwarding' time you can predict the course of events.
I know you are, you said you are, but what am I?
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joemomma337
14 years ago
LOL...I like your explanation of fatalism better than my explanation that Bunuel had to keep the film under 100 minutes so he just used the jump-cut technique to save runtime. Being familiar with Bunuel, it probably signifies something, and isn't just a way to save film.
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craigbhill
10 years ago
Jump-cutting to save runtime? Are you serious? The cuts were indicative of "the passing parade of events" we know are ahead for France and Europe.
Brings to mind the question why Bunuel never attempted a film attacking Franco for his role during or after the Spanish Civil War. His self-exile from Spain the rest of his life issued from it. To portray French sympathy for the Reichtwing begs the question about its like in Spain, and the fight by Spanish loyalists to reject fascism unsupported by the rest of Europe, whose better sense was suspended by the tantalyzing prospect Hitler would destroy only Russian communism and leave Western Europe alone.
~ Native Angeleno
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