That Obscure Object of Desire

A wealthy Frenchman tells the passengers on a train about the woman who has left him. She is interested in him and never lets him closer, and this goes on for years. The film's famous choice is here: the same woman is played by two different actresses, and the switch happens mid-scene with no explanation. The narrative does not offer it as a trick; it says that desire never sees the other person at all. The bombs going off in the background do the same work. Luis Bunuel directed; it was his last film. Fernando Rey leads, with Carole Bouquet and Angela Molina sharing the same part. Who it's for: those who like late Bunuel and formal play. Who it's not for: viewers troubled by a woman written as a riddle; the film does it deliberately, which does not remove the discomfort.