The film
Viridiana provided a plot outline very consistent with Freytag's pyramid of plot development. We are introduced to a nice young nun, who resentfully agrees to visit her recluse of an uncle, setting up the story of the film. As the action rises, we find conflict between Viridiana and her uncle, between Viridiana and Jorge, and very blatantly among the derelicts invited to live with Viridiana. These conflicts culminate in the climax of the film with the wild party thrown by the guests of the house. All of these events seem very characteristic of many films we have seen. What comes as a surprise is the denouement of the film as we see Viridiana succumb to the chaos that surrounds her life. In a world of movies with happy, fulfilling resolutions, this final scene is a stark contrast to the cliche hero overcoming adversity and becoming a strong figure because of adversity.
While it may not be the intended by Bunuel, as a religious person, I was left emotionally fighting for Viridiana not to fall down the path she had been so wholeheartedly trying to avoid. Not only do we see someone give up on their dreams, but she clearly chooses the part portrayed as less morally righteous. Beyond the obvious burning crown of thorns, in the final scene, we see Jorge dressed in black as Bunuel allows no room to question Viridiana's turn to the "dark side".
Additionally, this film ended leaving the audience with two main groups of characters: men and women. I mean this in the sense that virtually every man in this film is found to have negative intentions. Bunuel seems to convey that men are constantly striving for a sort of chaos in this world, always having negative intent in mind. Women, then are seen as objects of this chaos and are constantly falling victim to the ill intent of men. Viridiana is our only source of hope of some type of order in this world of chaos. As the film concludes, we understand that there are no exceptions in the real world. All men and women have the same intentions, and not even organized religion is able to overcome this overwhelming chaos. As Jorge explains, "All cats are gray by night."
I agree with your description of the film's plot detailing Viridiana's "secularization" and the dichotomy that was presented between men and women. It recognized the evils that are inherent in humanity. However, I thought there were a few things also said about the inherent good in people. One seen that stands firmly in my mind is the scene where Jorge buys the dog who was tethered to the wagon. Jorge buys the dog, seemingly for the purpose of saving it from its labor. He does not approach the man asking to purchase the dog, but instead asks for him to untie it and put it in the wagon. After Jorge buys the dog, we see that there is another dog suffering with the same burden. Not long after, Jorge tells Viridiana "there's no point in helping some of them when there are so many others." Doesn't this imply that despite the futile attempts of charity, everyone wants to try and do some good?
ReplyDeleteYou're perspective on the resolution is one I hadn't considered. It is interesting to look at men and women as the two main groups of people in this movie. I too felt like there was a dichotomy present throughout this film, but instead of men and women I felt it was between the selfish and the selfless. At the end of the movie, I felt Jorge's comment about the cats was referring to the fact that at the end of the day, our own desires will win us all over, no matter how much good we try to do for others. I obviously don' t know what Buñuel's original intent was, but you make some strong points about how men and women are portrayed in this film.
ReplyDeleteI agree with your outlook on the plot following Viridiana's spiral into chaos. Your interpretation on the men representing chaos and women being separate from that was something I hadn't thought about. I think Jorge out of all the men in the film had some redeeming qualities, but other than that I do agree with you.
ReplyDeleteChris, that was a good scene, and I would say yes to your question. Alex, it seems like there is overwhelming chaos, but I would have to pull out some Baudelaire and agree that the worst vice of them all is Boredom (http://poetryinbaltimore.com/smf/index.php?topic=22239.0), or indifference. In the film we see Viridiana make a genuine attempt to assist the homeless and Jorge tries to save the dogs from over exhaustion. The real vice is that which watches suffering with indifference, refusing to take any action. But I don't think Viridiana turns to the dark side, but rather she experiences a dose of reality.
ReplyDeleteHaley, I am confused by your interpretation of Jorge's cat quote? I thought it just meant that despite all the colors and patterns that are perceived on us in the light, we are all human deep down. So we are humans decorated in a way that alters how we see each other, yet out animal instincts are there nonetheless.
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