Tristana (1970)

I’m a huge Luis Bunel fan and have been waiting years to finally get a chance to see this adaption of Benito Perez Galdos’ novel.  It’s the story of a respected gentleman who falls in love with his adopted daughter.   This father/daughter relationship is so bizarre and humorous under Bunel’s wonderful skills that you find yourself rooting for it in a weird way; it’s almost not shocking because it’s what you expect from this master storyteller of the surreal.  Fernando Rey who plays Don Lope is so matter-of-fact you take for granted that he’s a despicable person.  Then there’s Catherine Deneuve who gives one of her most strange and best performances.   You know she hates Don Lope but there’s some part of her who will always see him as her father.  If you like any of Bunel’s work you’ll recognize this signature moments spread about the narrative.   Grade: A-