Luis Buñuel
Luis Buñuel: A Life of Cinematic Rebellion
Full Name and Common Aliases
Luis Buñuel was born as Luis García Buñuel on February 22, 1900, in Calanda, Aragon, Spain. He is commonly referred to as Luis Buñuel, but also known as Buñuel.
Birth and Death Dates
February 22, 1900 – July 29, 1983
Nationality and Profession(s)
Spanish film director, producer, screenwriter, and art collector. His work spanned multiple countries and languages, including France, Mexico, and Spain.
Early Life and Background
Buñuel was born into a wealthy and influential family in Aragon, Spain. His father, Alexander Buñuel, was a lawyer and politician who served as the Mayor of Calanda. Luis's early life was marked by privilege and exposure to art and literature. He developed an interest in art at a young age and studied law at the University of Madrid. However, he eventually abandoned his studies to pursue a career in art.
Major Accomplishments
Buñuel is widely regarded as one of the most influential filmmakers of all time. His work had a significant impact on the development of cinema, particularly in the areas of surrealist and avant-garde filmmaking. Some of his notable accomplishments include:
Founding of the Surrealist Movement: In 1925, Buñuel co-founded the Surrealist movement with André Breton, a French writer and poet.
Directorial Debut: "Un Chien Andalou" (1929): This short film, made in collaboration with Salvador Dalí, is considered one of the most influential surrealist films ever made.
International Recognition: Buñuel's work gained international recognition in the 1960s and 1970s with films such as "Viridiana," "Tristana," and "The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie."Notable Works or Actions
Some of Buñuel's notable works include:
"Un Chien Andalou" (1929): A surrealist short film made in collaboration with Salvador Dalí.
"Viridiana" (1961): A Spanish drama film that won the Palme d'Or at the 1961 Cannes Film Festival.
"The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie" (1972): A surrealist comedy-drama film that explores the lives of a group of upper-class friends.
Impact and Legacy
Luis Buñuel's impact on cinema is immeasurable. His work has influenced generations of filmmakers, including Alfred Hitchcock, Stanley Kubrick, and Martin Scorsese. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest directors of all time, and his films continue to be celebrated for their innovative storytelling, visual style, and intellectual depth.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Buñuel's quotes and statements are often cited because of his insightful and provocative views on art, politics, and society. Some notable quotes include:
"The purpose of a film is to be an axe for the frozen sea inside us."
"I am not interested in making films that are easy to understand. I want to make films that are difficult to understand."
Luis Buñuel's life and work continue to inspire artists, filmmakers, and intellectuals around the world. His commitment to innovation and experimentation has left an indelible mark on the world of cinema, and his legacy will be remembered for generations to come.
Quotes by Luis Buñuel

The bar is an exercise in solitude. Above all else, it must be quiet, dark, very comfortable-and, contrary to modern mores, no music of any kind, no matter how faint. In sum, there should be no more than a dozen tables, and a clientele that doesn’t like to talk.

If alcohol is queen, then tobacco is her consort. It’s a fond companion for all occasions, a loyal friend through fair weather and foul.

If someone were to tell me I had twenty years left, and ask me how I’d like to spend them, I’d reply ‘Give me two hours a day of activity, and I’ll take the other twenty-two in dreams.’

Frankly, despite my horror of the press, I’d love to rise from the grave every ten years or so and go buy a few newspapers.





