That Obscure Object of Desire (1977)

Brief Intro

“That Obscure Object of Desire” (1977), directed by the iconic Luis Buñuel, is a captivating exploration of obsession, desire, and the perplexities of human nature. The film uniquely employs two actresses, Carole Bouquet and Ángela Molina, to portray the enigmatic Conchita, adding layers to its narrative complexity. 🌟

Literary Devices Used in That Obscure Object of Desire

1. Symbolism

Symbolism is heavily used to convey deeper meanings and themes.

Movie Scene	Device Example
The bag of water poured on Mathieu	Represents his futile efforts and emotional turmoil
Conchita’s refusal to undress fully	Symbolizes her control and the elusive nature of desire

2. Irony

Irony is used to highlight the contradictions and absurdities in the characters’ actions.

Movie Scene	Device Example
Conchita accepting gifts but denying affection	Highlights the paradox of her relationship with Mathieu
Mathieu’s narration of his story on a train

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Movie Scene	Device Example
Mathieu’s narration of his story on a train	Ironic as he seeks sympathy yet is the architect of his own misery

3. Metaphor

Metaphors are employed to provide deeper insights into the characters and their relationships.

Movie Scene	Device Example
The broken glass	Represents the fractured and fragile nature of Mathieu and Conchita’s relationship
The caged bird	Symbolizes Conchita’s perceived entrapment and desire for freedom

4. Juxtaposition

Juxtaposition is used to contrast characters and situations, enhancing the thematic depth.

Movie Scene	Device Example
Conchita portrayed by two different actresses	Highlights the duality and inconsistency of her character
Calm dinner scenes followed by chaotic confrontations	Emphasizes the instability of their relationship

5. Allegory

Allegory is present to illustrate broader societal and psychological themes.

Movie Scene	Device Example
Conchita’s dance with the flamenco troupe	Represents the societal expectations and cultural constraints on women
The recurring terrorist attacks	Allegorizes the constant, underlying turmoil in Mathieu’s life and mind

6. Flashback

Flashbacks provide context and backstory, enhancing character depth and plot understanding.

Movie Scene	Device Example
Mathieu recounting his first meeting with Conchita	Reveals the origins of his obsession
Scenes of past rejections	Shed light on Mathieu’s persistent but futile pursuit

7. Foreshadowing

Foreshadowing hints at future events and builds anticipation.

Movie Scene	Device Example
Early scenes of tension between Mathieu and Conchita	Predict the escalating conflict
The mention of violence and unrest	Foreshadows the turbulent events to come

8. Paradox

Paradoxes are used to explore complex and contradictory truths.

Movie Scene	Device Example
Mathieu’s love for Conchita despite constant rejection	Illustrates the irrational nature of desire
Conchita’s simultaneous seduction and repulsion	Highlights her contradictory feelings towards Mathieu

9. Motif

Motifs recur throughout the film to reinforce themes and ideas.

Movie Scene	Device Example
Repeated images of locked doors	Motif of barriers and the elusiveness of true intimacy
The recurring presence of bags and containers	Symbolizes concealment and the withholding of emotions

10. Hyperbole

Hyperbole is used to exaggerate and emphasize certain aspects of characters and situations.

Movie Scene	Device Example
Mathieu’s declarations of love	Exaggerate his obsession and desperation
Conchita’s dramatic refusals	Emphasize her manipulative power over Mathieu

Character Analysis Through Literary Devices

Character Studies

Mathieu

Device	Explanation
Symbolism	His constant gifting of material items to Conchita symbolizes his attempt to buy love and affection.
Irony	Despite being wealthy and powerful, he is utterly powerless in his pursuit of Conchita.

Conchita

Device	Explanation
Metaphor	Conchita as two actresses represents the complexity and duality of her character.
Paradox	Her actions are both seductive and repelling, making her true intentions unclear and enigmatic.

Character Dynamics

The relationship between Mathieu and Conchita drives the narrative and underscores the themes of obsession and unattainability. Their dynamic is characterized by a constant push and pull, with Conchita maintaining control over Mathieu through manipulation and allure.

Thematic Analysis

Obsession and Desire

Device	Explanation
Symbolism	Conchita’s elusive nature symbolizes the unattainable nature of true desire.
Metaphor	Mathieu’s gifts to Conchita serve as metaphors for his attempts to possess her.

Power and Control

Device	Explanation
Irony	Mathieu’s wealth contrasts with his lack of control over Conchita.
Juxtaposition	The contrasting calm and chaos in their interactions highlight the struggle for power.

Societal and Cultural Constraints

Device	Explanation
Allegory	Conchita’s dance scenes represent societal expectations on women.
Motif	Repeated images of locked doors symbolize societal barriers.

Cinematic Techniques That Enhance Literary Devices

Visual and Sound Techniques

Literary Device	Technique	Explanation
Symbolism	Close-up shots	Emphasize symbolic objects like the bag of water.
Irony	Contrasting lighting	Highlights the disparity between Mathieu’s expectations and reality.

Literary Device	Technique	Explanation
Metaphor	Color palettes	Different colors used to represent the dual nature of Conchita.
Juxtaposition	Editing	Rapid cuts between calm and chaotic scenes emphasize instability.

Key Scene Analysis

Scene Selection

1. Opening Scene (Train Station)
   • Watch Scene on YouTube
   • Breakdown: The scene sets up the narrative with irony as Mathieu narrates his woes to strangers, illustrating his lack of control over his own story.
2. Conchita’s Flamenco Dance
   • Watch Scene on YouTube
   • Breakdown: Conchita’s dance symbolizes her cultural ties and the societal expectations placed on her, while also using metaphor to depict her inner conflict.
3. The Bag of Water Scene
   • Watch Scene on YouTube
   • Breakdown: This scene is rich with symbolism and irony, representing Mathieu’s emotional state and futile efforts to control Conchita.

Conclusion

Interactive Quiz

Test Your Knowledge:

1. What does the bag of water symbolize?
   • a) Love
   • b) Futility and emotional turmoil
   • c) Happiness
2. How is irony used in Mathieu’s narration?
   • a) It shows his control.
   • b) It highlights his lack of self-awareness.
   • c) It reveals his power.
3. What do the locked doors represent as a motif?
   • a) Freedom
   • b) Barriers and elusiveness
   • c) Happiness

Answers:

1. b) Futility and emotional turmoil
2. b) It highlights his lack of self-awareness
3. b) Barriers and elusiveness