Quite frankly, most people ignore Luis Bunuel's mid-century Mexican films, and those who don't go to lengths to find those particular surrealist themes that we know and love from him in them. I'm pretty sure the man was just taking a break and trying to get a paycheck. Susana, like Woman without Love and Gran Casino, is more noteworthy in how it's not typical Bunuel than how it is. Sure, the themes of sexual exploration by a woman foreshadows his later work like Belle du Jour, but in this case the argument is strictly made that she's insane and, really, a force of the Devil on innocent folk. This strict Christian theme is precisely something that Bunuel doesn't believe in, but minus a few hints to the contrary he just sits back and tells the tale without too much embellishment.
There's some very good shooting here, especially in the beginning (the opening scene isn't too far removed from the horror genre). Rosita Quintana is a good choice for the devious seductress, as she is both physically stunning (helps you believe the men would actually fall for that) and is able to change mood or expression in a heartbeat, depending on which other character is currently confronting her. Never will I argue lack of craftsmanship as far as Bunuel is concerned--even in his Mexican cinema or the not-quite-so impressive Milky Way there's a firm control of narrative devices that make his movies always a pleasure to watch.
Worth viewing for the interested, but nothing near as interesting as Early Bunuel or Late Bunuel.
--PolarisDiB
There's some very good shooting here, especially in the beginning (the opening scene isn't too far removed from the horror genre). Rosita Quintana is a good choice for the devious seductress, as she is both physically stunning (helps you believe the men would actually fall for that) and is able to change mood or expression in a heartbeat, depending on which other character is currently confronting her. Never will I argue lack of craftsmanship as far as Bunuel is concerned--even in his Mexican cinema or the not-quite-so impressive Milky Way there's a firm control of narrative devices that make his movies always a pleasure to watch.
Worth viewing for the interested, but nothing near as interesting as Early Bunuel or Late Bunuel.
--PolarisDiB