The Exterminating Angel (1962)

Brief Intro

🕊️ The Exterminating Angel, directed by Luis Buñuel in 1962, is a surrealist masterpiece that delves into the depths of human nature and societal norms. This film tells the story of a group of high-society individuals who find themselves inexplicably unable to leave a dinner party, leading to chaos and self-destruction. Buñuel’s sharp critique of bourgeois values and human behavior is as relevant today as it was over half a century ago.

Literary Devices Used in The Exterminating Angel

Symbolism

Movie SceneDevice Example
Guests unable to leave the roomSymbolizes societal constraints and the illusion of freedom.
The presence of sheep and a bearRepresents the animalistic nature beneath civilized behavior.

Irony

Movie SceneDevice Example
Guests being sophisticated but helplessHighlights the absurdity of social pretensions.
The servants leaving freelyContrasts the immobility of the upper class with the freedom of the lower class.

Allegory

Movie SceneDevice Example
The entire dinner party situationRepresents the collapse of societal norms under pressure.
Characters’ regression into savageryAn allegory for the thin veneer of civilization.

Satire

Movie SceneDevice Example
The elaborate, pointless dinner ritualsCritiques the superficiality of the bourgeois lifestyle.
The characters’ trivial conversationsMocks the emptiness of high-society interactions.

Foreshadowing

Movie SceneDevice Example
The servants’ unexplained departure at the beginningSuggests the impending breakdown of order.
The initial unease among guestsHints at the surreal and disturbing events to follow.

Juxtaposition

Movie SceneDevice Example
Elegant dinner setting vs. primal behaviorHighlights the contrast between appearance and reality.
Civilized conversation vs. later chaosEmphasizes the thin line between order and disorder.

Paradox

Movie SceneDevice Example
Guests unable to leave despite no physical barriersIllustrates the paradox of mental vs. physical freedom.
The more they try to leave, the more trapped they becomeA commentary on human nature and self-imposed limitations.

Metaphor

Movie SceneDevice Example
The mansion as a microcosm of societyRepresents the larger societal structures and their flaws.
Guests’ behavior as they become trappedMetaphor for societal breakdown and human nature’s dark side.

Motif

Movie SceneDevice Example
Repeated attempts to leaveThe futility of breaking free from societal constraints.
Ritualistic behaviors and repetitionsHighlights the cyclical nature of human actions and habits.

Allusion

Movie SceneDevice Example
References to historical and religious eventsAdds depth to the critique of human nature and society.
Characters’ dialogues referencing classical literatureElevates the narrative’s intellectual critique.

Character Analysis Through Literary Devices

Character Studies

Edmundo Nobile

Literary DeviceExplanation
IronyHis name means ‘noble’, yet his actions reveal the opposite.
SymbolismRepresents the upper class’s superficiality and helplessness.

Lucia Nobile

Literary DeviceExplanation
SatireEmbodies the frivolous concerns of the bourgeoisie.
JuxtapositionHer composed demeanor vs. eventual breakdown highlights societal pressures.

Dr. Carlos Conde

Literary DeviceExplanation
AllegoryRepresents the futility of intellectualism in crisis.
MetaphorHis medical knowledge fails to cure the social ‘disease’.

Character Dynamics

Relationships and Narrative

DeviceExplanation
SymbolismThe group’s dynamics symbolize societal hierarchies and dependencies.
ParadoxTheir close physical proximity contrasts with emotional isolation.
ForeshadowingEarly tensions hint at later conflicts and breakdowns.
SatireRelationships mock the superficiality and fragility of social bonds.

Thematic Analysis

Isolation

Literary DeviceExplanation
SymbolismThe physical entrapment mirrors emotional and societal isolation.
IronyDespite being in a group, characters feel isolated and helpless.

Hypocrisy

Literary DeviceExplanation
SatireCritiques the moral and social hypocrisy of the upper class.
JuxtapositionPolite facades versus primal behaviors expose underlying hypocrisy.

Human Nature

Literary DeviceExplanation
AllegoryCharacters’ descent into savagery reflects the dark side of human nature.
MetaphorThe party as a microcosm for exploring inherent human flaws.

Societal Critique

Literary DeviceExplanation
IronyThe civilized guests’ uncivilized behavior critiques societal norms.
AllusionReferences to broader societal issues through character interactions.

Cinematic Techniques That Enhance Literary Devices

Visual and Sound Techniques

Literary DeviceTechniqueExplanation
SymbolismVisual motifs (e.g., sheep)Enhances themes of innocence and sacrifice.
IronyJuxtaposition of soundscapesContrasts serene music with chaotic scenes to heighten absurdity.
AllegorySurreal visual styleReinforces the dream-like, allegorical nature of the narrative.
SatireExaggerated costume and set designMocks the opulence and superficiality of the upper class.

Key Scene Analysis

Scene Selection

Scene 1: The Guests Arrive

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Scene 2: The Guests Cannot Leave

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  • Literary Devices: Paradox, Symbolism
  • Scene Breakdown: The guests’ inability to leave despite open exits symbolizes societal constraints and human limitations.

Scene 3: Descent into Chaos

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  • Literary Devices: Allegory, Metaphor
  • Scene Breakdown: This scene uses chaotic visuals and behavior to represent the collapse of societal norms and the raw nature of humanity.

Conclusion

Interactive Quiz

1. What does the inability of the guests to leave symbolize?

  • A) Physical barriers
  • B) Societal constraints
  • C) Natural disasters

2. Which literary device is prominent in the depiction of the guests’ behavior?

3. How does the use of animals in the film contribute to its themes?

  • A) They add humor
  • B) They symbolize human nature
  • C) They serve as pets
Index