Der große Lebemann

The one excellent thing about this film is the music. Apart from the great and very Bunuellian finale, the film is negligeable. It is only interesting for being by Bunuel and his first film in 20 years, providing a ramp for his most interesting Mexican production, but the film has no charm, no cinematography, it's almost claustrphobically locked up indoors, the actors are all good, but, like in so many Bunuel films, the complex intrigue knots itself up into something of a mess. It is supposed to be funny, but it is not, except for the great ironic scene in the cathedral - here at last Bunuel proves himself.

This Mexican film from Bu-uel's low profile commercial period is a comedy of manners, Those expecting the more caustic or iconoclastic subtexts of his famous films may be disappointed. I found it well made and quite enjoyable. Part of its value is in its conventionality. Seeing that he was capable of creating well crafted "popular" entertainments is a plus in his favor. Perhaps he was only working to pay the bills, but I think he may have actually enjoyed making this film.

this is not an classical Buñuel film he does not use any metaphor. film belong to comedy genre but i thought that it was not funny and it was not a good movie if the director is not Buñuel this film get a point like 3 or 2.sparazitoiler*the story was very basic its about a rich man without desire of living and people surrounding himself that are parasite. one day brother of that man decide to do show how real life is going on and the games begin.* as i said before very basic story and you can add to rich poor love in it. we can think that is 195O but there are a lot of good movies in that time. in conclusion this film is not good.

Enjoyable knockabout movie that is ultimately more complex than the simple plot outline would suggest. There is not much of the Bunuel we have come to expect but then this is his first effort for almost twenty years and he must have been keen to get back into cinema. Clearly a pragmatic man he must have been aware he could soon enough get back to making what he wanted, once he had satisfied the money men he was bankable. Nevertheless there is plenty to enjoy here as much fun is had with the notion of being rich and lazy making you ill and poor and hardworking the opposite. Then there is the love interest and whether you can marry above/beneath yourself. There is a marvellous line towards the end when the said young lady is justifying going with the rich scoundrel instead of the poor, honest boy. She tells of how one may love her for her money but then the other hates her for it. As would be the case in subsequent Mexican efforts Bunuel paints an affectionate picture of the locals and is clearly happy in his surroundings.

A gem among comedies. Based on a play by Alfredo Torrado. Again an example of collaboration between Bunuel and scriptwriter/director/novelist Alcoriza and Alcoriza's wife Janet. The female touch is evident in the father-daughter relationship.

The film belongs to the lead actor Fernando Soler. Bunuel's touch in this film is not in the last shot as is often the case--here it is the opening sequence of Ramiro (actor Soler) in the jail sleeping with other poorer members of Mexican society as equals.

A well-made feel-good comedy from Bunuel.