This week in class we watched the film The Exterminating Angel, a film where bureaucrats
and the 1% are seemingly stuck in a room due to a mysterious force after their dinner party. We
discussed prior how Buñuel arrived during the Mexican Golden Age in 1946, transforming
classic film into a new level. Staying throughout Mexico during the 60s, Bñuel would delve into
Nuevo Cine, which would be Mexico’s interpretation of New Cinema.
In terms of The Exterminating Angel I felt the film was extremely interesting as it embraced
Buñuel’s surrealist side and explored themes of losing civility, ambiguity, and paralysis. Gabriel
Figueroa would provide his strong suit as we see a series of shots highlighting despair such as
the hand scene where our victim is experiencing a shadowy figure crawling on her; or the
pre-cognitive images of sheep under the table, seemingly representing our characters future.
One theme I wanted to highlight that shows in Exterminating Angel is the concept of the seven
deadly sins, as many of the bourgeois participate in these heinous activities. Sloth can be seen
when the older gentlemen begin to lay down after being gluttonous during the dinner; and pride
can be seen when the people present themselves in a way which brings out envy due to social
status. The Exterminating Angel seemingly punishes these sinners by holding them in this room, to
which they alas head to church in order to pay for their sins, which is a great finale and
connection which Buñuel may have procured.