My Last Sigh by Luis Buñuel

I place Luis Buñuel’s autobiography, My Last Sigh, in the same category with Jean Renoir’s, My Life and My Films. Another great film maker who recounts his life with cordiality and disarming candour, showing the skills of a story teller. Without dedicating too much in the book to his films (I hardly expected him to explain his movies), Buñuel keeps the story centered on his personal life. I enjoyed this approach, as it made me realise how many things in his films were taken directly from or influenced by real life, but also because it felt reassuring. Reassuring because, due to his surprising simplicity and modesty, he makes you believe that a wonderful, accomplished life is truly possible. Maybe I was not surprised to find out that Luis Buñuel was an eternal dreamer, but I was pleasantly surprised to discover his good sense of humour. I’ll tell you only this: it was entertaining to read his sometimes scornful opinions on the literati and artists of the time.

“If we could only find the courage to leave our destiny to chance, to accept the fundamental mystery of our lives, then we might be closer to the sort of happiness that comes with innocence.” (Luis Buñuel, quote from the book)

photo by me