The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie is a surrealistic comedy-drama film directed by Luis Buñuel and released in 1972. The film satirizes the manners and customs of the upper-middle class, who are depicted as insensitive, hypocritical, and disconnected from reality. The plot centers around a group of friends who are trying to arrange a dinner party, but their plans are constantly thwarted by a series of bizarre and unexpected events.
Throughout the film, the characters are plagued by strange fantasies and hallucinations, which often blur the line between reality and imagination. These fantasies range from a group of soldiers bursting into the restaurant while the diners hide under the table, to a dreamlike sequence in which the characters find themselves performing a play in a strange desert landscape.
The film features a star-studded cast, including Fernando Rey, Delphine Seyrig, Stéphane Audran, and Jean-Pierre Cassel. It was well-received by critics, with many praising its dark humor, inventive storytelling, and incisive commentary on bourgeois society.
Overall, The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie is a twisted, surrealistic take on the dinner party genre, and a biting critique of the values and priorities of the upper classes.