Diary of a Chambermaid - Criterion Collection
by Luis Bu?uel
List Price:
Our Price: $26.99
You Save: $2.96 (10%)
Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
Buy Used: from $14.95 (click here)
Category: DVD
See more DVD releases
Buy this DVD movie at online store in your country
Canada
Canada
DVD Cover Information
Actor: Daniel Ivernel, Fran?oise Lugagne, Georges G?ret, Jeanne Moreau, MuniDirector: Luis Bu?uel
Brand: Image Entertainment
DVD: Region Code 1
Audio: French (Original Language), Dolby Digital 2.0 Mono; English (Subtitled)
Format: Anamorphic, Black & White, DVD-Video, NTSC, Subtitled, Widescreen
Picture Format: 2.35:1
Running Time: 98 minutes
DVD Release Date: 2001-06-05
Audience Rating: Unrated
Studio: Criterion
Movie Reviews of Diary of a Chambermaid - Criterion Collection
Movie Review: Subtle and sarcastic criticism of prewar French society
Summary: 5 Stars
This gem of a film presents a subtle criticism of the lifestyle and values of the wealthy and not so wealthy in France just before World War II. The story centers on a young woman named Celestine (played by the beautiful and talented Jeanne Moreau) who is starting her new job as a `femme de chambre' (translated as chambermaid, but not entirely appropriate) in a country manor. She encounters a wide range of people from the wealthy owners of the manor to the lowest laborers. The story is essentially about the interactions and world-views of those who live in and around the manor. Each of the characters is in some sense a microcosm of French society as a whole. Various aspects of French society were characterized by these individuals, and this film is essentially a social commentary (and criticism) of all levels of society. This film paints a not-very-pretty picture of all levels of French society prior to the war. Some of the other reviews have details about the characters and plot that I won't repeat other than to say that they are spot on.
One of the reasons that I gave this film 5 stars was that beyond just being a good film, it is a terrific example of the film makers art. Everything about this film is just so well done. Great acting, well (and subtly) written script, an obvious film to include in the Criterion Collection. If I had any negative statement to make about this film, I would say that I agree with one of the other reviewers (R. A. Rubin) in that it is an anti-Fascist film, but totally avoids the other side of the evil coin - Communism.
Summary of Diary of a Chambermaid - Criterion Collection
This wicked adaptation of the Octave Mirbeau novel is classic Luis Bu?uel. Jeanne Moreau is Celestine, a beautiful Parisian domestic who, upon arrival at her new job at an estate in provincial 1930s France, entrenches herself in sexual hypocrisy and scandal with her philandering employer (Bu?uel regular Michel Piccoli). Filmed in luxurious black-and-white Franscope, Diary of a Chambermaid is a raw-edged tangle of fetishism and murder-and a scathing look at the burgeoning French fascism of the era.Considered surrealist Luis Bu?uel most linear film, Diary of a Chambermaid is an excellent introduction to this director's dark satirical world of social criticism. Loosely based on Mirbeau's Journal D'Une Femme de Chambre, Bu?uel uses the beautiful French countryside as a backdrop to ruthlessly display his favorite subjects: Catholicism, the bourgeoisie, nationalism, and moral decay. Jeanne Moreau is Celestine, a chambermaid from Paris who takes a job at a picturesque country estate. When the body of the staff's daughter is discovered raped and murdered, Celesine does whatever is necessary to uncover the girl's killer. She quickly learns that her new employees, though apparent pillars of nouveau aristocracy, are as morally corrupt as the girl's murderer. Though extremely linear for Bu?uel, Diary of a Chambermaid does not lack for profound, symbolic imagery and cryptic revelations. --Rob Bracco
Art House & International DVD Video
DVD Video
- Action & Adventure
- African American Cinema
- Animation
- Anime & Manga
- Art House & International
- Classics
- Comedy
- Cult Movies
- Documentary
- Drama
- Educational
- Fitness & Yoga
- Gay & Lesbian
- Horror
- Kids & Family
- Military & War
- Music Video & Concerts
- Musicals & Performing Arts
- Mystery & Suspense
- Science Fiction & Fantasy
- Special Interests
- Sports
- Television
- Westerns
Movies most talked about in My Film Awards - 1964
Tokyo Olympiad - Criterion CollectionRelease date: 2002-07-30; DVD
Best price: $159.89
A Hard Day's NightRelease date: 1990-10-25; Music CD
Best price: $7.96
Price in other shops:
Dr. Strangelove or How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb (Two-Disc Special Edition)Sony; Release date: 2004-11-02; DVD
Best price: $7.66
Price in other shops:
MarnieUniversal; Release date: 2006-02-07; DVD
Best price: $10.72
Price in other shops:
Diary of a Chambermaid - Criterion CollectionImage Entertainment; Release date: 2001-06-05; DVD
Best price: $16.99
Price in other shops:
The Films of Kenneth Anger, Vol. 2Release date: 2007-10-02; DVD
Best price: $18.50
Price in other shops:
![Charulata [VHS] Image](/images/Charulata-VHS-6304587384-X.jpg){kind=small}
Charulata [VHS]Sony Pictures; Release date: 1997-09-02; VHS Tape; VHS Video
Price in other shops:
I Am Cuba: The Ultimate EditionRelease date: 2007-11-20; DVD
Best price: $40.49
Price in other shops:
My Fair Lady (Two-Disc Special Edition)HEPBURN,AUDREY; Release date: 2004-02-03; DVD
Best price: $14.95
Price in other shops:
Similar DVD Movies
Elevator to the Gallows - Criterion CollectionImage Entertainment; Release date: 2006-04-25; DVD
Best price: $27.71
Price in other shops:
Belle de JourRelease date: 2002-01-22; DVD
Best price: $9.25
Price in other shops:
The Lovers - Criterion CollectionImage Entertainment; Release date: 2008-05-13; DVD
Best price: $19.90
Price in other shops:
The Exterminating Angel - Criterion CollectionImage Entertainment; Release date: 2009-02-10; DVD
Best price: $28.46
Price in other shops:
Simon of the Desert - Criterion CollectionImage Entertainment; Release date: 2009-02-10; DVD
Best price: $17.66
Price in other shops:
The Milky Way (Criterion Collection)Image Entertainment; Release date: 2007-08-21; DVD
Best price: $19.83
Price in other shops:
The Phantom of LibertyImage Entertainment; Release date: 2005-05-24; DVD
Best price: $20.04
Price in other shops:
Viridiana - Criterion CollectionImage Entertainment; Release date: 2006-05-23; DVD
Best price: $19.99
Price in other shops:
The Discreet Charm Of The Bourgeoisie - Criterion CollectionImage Entertainment; Release date: 2002-02-12; DVD
Best price: $26.32
Price in other shops:
That Obscure Object of Desire - Criterion CollectionRelease date: 2001-11-20; DVD
Best price: $20.01
Price in other shops: