Un Chien Andalou is for many, one of the foundational films in the history of cinema. And yes, if you were ever a film major, you’ ha’ve probably seen it before, but it’s well worth checking out again. Released in France in 1929, Un Chien Andalou, or The Andalusian Dog, is an experimental short film, Produced, directed and co-written by Luis Buñuel. His co-writer was Salvador Dali.
Comprised of several loosely related scenes, the film flows dreamlike from one time/place to another. Oh, and if you’re not familiar with the film, this is probably a good time to give you a heads up that one of the most squeamish scenes in cinema occurs in the first two minutes. It is so powerful in part, because it so unexpected.
It is that feeling that you’re watching a dream, where anything could happen at any moment that keeps your (ahem) eyes glued to the screen. And the dreamlike quality is no surprise when you learn that the script was actually based upon two dreams that Buñuel and Dali had.
I always found it a little vexing, but also hopeful that this film has been so well ingrained into most film programs. After all, there is very little to be gained from it in terms of commercial success. Rather, it is a masterclass in the power and language of cinema. And it also reads as way ahead of its time.
So sit back, and – I can’t say relax, because you most likely won’t be able to – and enjoy Un Chien Andalou.
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