🪶 Story & Synopsis
“Diary of a Chambermaid” is a 1964 drama film directed by Spanish-born filmmaker Luis Buñuel and starring Jeanne Moreau as Celestine, a Parisian chambermaid who takes on a new job working for the quirky Monteil family. The story unfolds as Celestine navigates the eccentricities of her employers, including M. Monteil, his wife, and her father. However, when a tragic event occurs with a young girl being raped and murdered, Celestine suspects the groundskeeper, Joseph, played by Georges Geret.
As the plot thickens, Celestine decides to stay on at the Monteil estate to uncover the truth behind the crime. She uses her charm, sexuality, and the promise of marriage to manipulate Joseph into confessing to the heinous act. But as Celestine delves deeper into the mystery, she realizes that things are not as straightforward as they seem.
The film delves into themes of power dynamics, class struggles, and the complexities of human nature. Jeanne Moreau’s portrayal of Celestine captures the character’s intelligence, cunning, and vulnerability as she navigates through a web of deceit and betrayal.
With a runtime of 1 hour and 37 minutes, “Diary of a Chambermaid” offers a gripping narrative that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats until the very end. The film’s atmospheric cinematography, compelling performances, and thought-provoking storyline make it a classic in the realm of psychological dramas.
🧑 Cast & Crew
Léa Seydoux, Vincent Lindon, Clotilde Mollet, Hervé Pierre, Mélodie Valemberg, Patrick d’Assumçao, Vincent Lacoste, Joséphine Derenne, Dominique Reymond
| Actor | Role |
|---|---|
| Paulette Goddard | Celestine |
| Burgess Meredith | Captain Mauger |
| Hurd Hatfield | Georges Lanlaire |
| Francis Lederer | Joseph |
| Judith Anderson | Madame Lanlaire |
| Florence Bates | Rose |
| Irene Ryan | Louise |
| Reginald Owen | Captain Lanlaire |
💬 Reviews and feedback
Welcome to the scandalous world of “Diary of a Chambermaid,” where every corner holds a secret, and every character has a hidden agenda. Imagine if Agatha Christie wrote a steamy novel while sipping on French wine – that’s the vibe of this film.
As we follow the journey of a chambermaid named Celestine, played by the talented Léa Seydoux, we are immediately plunged into a whirlwind of lust, power play, and dark secrets lurking beneath the surface of a seemingly tranquil countryside estate. It’s like peeking behind the curtain at a fancy gala only to discover a masquerade ball full of deception and desire.
The film skillfully navigates through themes of social class dynamics, sexual harassment, and the manipulation of power. Each scene is crafted with precision, drawing you deeper into the intricate web of relationships that Celestine finds herself entangled in.
Let’s talk about the acting – Seydoux shines as Celestine, capturing her character’s complexity with grace and depth. From moments of vulnerability to displays of cunning intelligence, Seydoux delivers a performance that keeps you glued to the screen, much like trying to solve a puzzle with missing pieces.
The direction by Benoît Jacquot deserves applause for creating an atmosphere that oozes tension and intrigue. The pacing keeps you on your toes, never quite knowing what twist lies around the next corner. It’s like being on a rollercoaster ride where every turn leaves you breathless.
- Score: The musical score adds an extra layer of suspense, enhancing each scene’s mood and keeping your heart racing as if you’re in a high-stakes game of cat and mouse.
- Cinematography: The visuals are stunning, capturing the beauty of the French countryside juxtaposed with the dark undercurrents lurking within the lavish estate.
- Production Design: The attention to detail in recreating the late 19th-century setting is impeccable, immersing you in a world where luxury masks sinister intentions.
Binge-watching tip: Keep your detective hat on while watching “Diary of a Chambermaid.” Pay attention to subtle cues and nuanced expressions – they might hold the key to unraveling the mysteries hidden within each character’s facade.
Now, let’s address the elephant in the room – some may find certain scenes uncomfortable or disturbing due to their explicit nature. This movie doesn’t shy away from exploring darker themes, so be prepared for a rollercoaster of emotions that might leave you feeling both intrigued and unsettled.
In conclusion, “Diary of a Chambermaid” is like diving into a pool without knowing its depth – thrilling yet nerve-wracking. It’s an intricate tapestry woven with threads of desire, deceit, and desperation that will linger in your mind long after the credits roll.
Rewarding this titillating tale with an 8/10 rating for its gripping storytelling and stellar performances that keep you guessing till the very end!
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Superb acting | Narrative glitches |
| Beautiful cinematography | Suppressed, pornographic melodrama |
| Interesting exploration of themes | Shaky timeline |
| Engaging storyline | Brutal sexism portrayal |
| Well-presented story | Sexual harassment theme |
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Diary of a Chambermaid (1964 film) - Wikipedia
Diary of a Chambermaid(1964 film)
Diary of a Chambermaid French Le journal d’une femme de chambre Directed by Luis Buñuel Written by Luis Buñuel Jean-Claude Carrière
Based on The Diary of a Chambermaid by Octave Mirbeau
Produced by Serge Silberman Michel Safra
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Diary of a Chambermaid (1964) - IMDb
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- Greedorr
- Oct 31, 1998
- How long is Diary of a Chambermaid?Powered by Alexa
Details
- Release date
- Countries of origin
- Language
- Also known as
- Dnevnik jedne sobarice
- Filming locations
- Production companies
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
Box office
- Gross worldwide
- $126
- Runtime1 hour 37 minutes
- Color
- Sound mix
- Aspect ratio
- 2.35 : 1
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Diary of a Chambermaid (2015 film) - Wikipedia
Diary of a Chambermaid(French:) is a 2015 French drama film directed by Benoît Jacquot, and written by Jacquot and Hélène Zimmer. It is an adaptation of Octave Mirbeau’s 1900 novel of the same name and stars Léa Seydoux as Célestine, a young and ambitious woman who works as a chambermaid for a wealthy couple in France during the early twentieth century. Mirbeau’s original novel was adapted into films multiple times before, notably Jean Renoir’s 1946 film and Luis Buñuel’s 1964 film.
Journal d’une femme de chambre
Diary of a Chambermaid Directed by Benoît Jacquot Screenplay by Benoît Jacquot Hélène Zimmer
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Diary of a Chambermaid movie review (2016) | Roger Ebert
Now streaming on:Taking on a novel that’s already been adapted by two of the greatest filmmakers of all time should give any contemporary director pause, you would think. But Benoît Jacquot shows no signs of intimidation in his “Diary of a Chambermaid,” which he and his co-scenarist, Hélène Zimmer, adapted from Octave Mirbeau’s anti-bourgeois novel of 1900.
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The Diary of a Chambermaid (1946) - IMDb
The Diary of a Chambermaid (1946) was directed by the great Jean Renoir. This is an U.S. film, although the action was set in France, and directed by a French director.The movie is set in rural France in 1885. As the title suggests, a new chambermaid has arrived at a mansion of an eccentric couple. (Actually, almost everyone in the movie is eccentric to a greater or lesser degree.)The person who’s not eccentric, but totally evil, is the valet, Joseph. Francis Lederer portrayed Joseph, who is evil to the core. He looks like the villain that he is. (Actually, in one film. he played Count Dracula).The reason to see is film is to watch Paulette Goddard at work. She was the classic Hollywood beauty of her time. And, 70 years later, she is still a classic Hollywood beauty. Better than that, she could act! Goddard plays Célestine, the chambermaid, whose only path out of lower-class drudgery is to marry a rich man. How this plays out is the plot of the film.Renoir was possibly the greatest film director of the 20th Century. However, this movie is one of his minor films. Renoir does crowd scenes well, but he can’t take his eyes off Goddard, and neither can we.This movie has an anemic IMDB rating of 6.7. It’s not a great film, but I think it’s better than that. We saw it on DVD, and it worked well enough. Be sure to see it if you’re a Renoir fan or a Goddard fan. Otherwise, I’d suggest Buñuel’s 1964 version, with Jeanne Moreau.
⚠️ Explanation (Spoiler)
In “Diary of a Chambermaid,” Luis Buñuel presents a gripping adaptation of Octave Mirbeau’s novel set in 1920s France, focusing on the experiences of a Parisian chambermaid, Célestine, portrayed by the talented Jeanne Moreau. The film delves into the dark underbelly of a country estate in provincial France, where Célestine navigates through a series of sexual scandals and encounters with the elite.
The narrative takes a stark and grim turn compared to Jean Renoir’s earlier adaptation, emphasizing the moral decay and decadence lurking beneath the surface of the bourgeois society. Buñuel’s version is characterized by a haunting atmosphere, captured beautifully in black-and-white Franscope, creating a sense of impending moral collapse.
The character dynamics are complex and intriguing, with Célestine’s interactions with Monsieur Rabour, who harbors a foot fetish, serving as a reflection of deeper themes of sexual repression and social hierarchy. The film subtly explores the power dynamics at play, especially through Célestine’s relationships with the elite and the working class.
One of the most impactful aspects of the film is its exploration of political unrest during the 1920s, intertwining with the narrative of sexual perversions. The climax of the film culminates in a political demonstration, echoing the rise of right-wing ideologies and anti-Semitic sentiments of the time.
Through its meticulous attention to detail, nuanced character portrayals, and atmospheric cinematography, “Diary of a Chambermaid” stands as a thought-provoking and unsettling examination of bourgeois society on the brink of collapse, showcasing Buñuel’s masterful storytelling and social commentary.
👪 Parents Guide & Age Rating
NR
Age Rating:
Diary of a Chambermaid is rated R for mature themes, sexuality, and violence. This movie is not suitable for viewers under 17 without parental guidance.
Parental Guide:
Parents should be aware that Diary of a Chambermaid contains mature content including:
- Sexuality: The movie includes scenes with sexual content and discussions about sexuality.
- Violence: There are violent scenes including a rape and murder, as well as themes of violence throughout the movie.
- Themes: The film explores mature themes such as social class, power dynamics, and manipulation.
- Language: Some strong language and profanity are used in the movie.
Due to the mature themes and content, it is recommended that parents preview the movie before allowing teenagers under 17 to watch Diary of a Chambermaid.
📺 Streaming and where to watch
| streaming service | extra information |
|---|---|
| Tubi TV | Currently you are able to watch ‘Diary of a Chambermaid’ streaming on Tubi TV for free with ads. |
❝ Quotes and Cult
The worship of money is the lowest of all human emotions, but it is shared not only by the bourgeoisie, but also by the great majority of us…. Little people, humble people, even those who are practically penniless. And I, with all my indignation, all my passion for destruction, I, too, am not free of it.
The Diary of a Chambermaid may refer to: The Diary of a Chambermaid (novel), a 1900 novel by Octave Mirbeau, and its adaptations: The Diary of a Chambermaid (1946 film), a 1946 film directed by Jean Renoir
Diary of a Chambermaid. This wicked adaptation of the Octave Mirbeau novel is classic Luis Buñuel. 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 (Buñuel regular Michel Piccoli).
Diary of a Chambermaid (French: Journal d'une femme de chambre) is a 2015 French drama film directed by Benoît Jacquot, and written by Jacquot and Hélène Zimmer. It is an adaptation of Octave Mirbeau's 1900 novel of the same name and stars Léa Seydoux as Célestine, a young and ambitious woman who works as a chambermaid for a wealthy couple in France during the early twentieth century.
Diary of a Chambermaid (French: Le journal d'une femme de chambre, Italian: Il diario di una cameriera) is a 1964 drama film directed by Spanish-born filmmaker Luis Buñuel and starring Jeanne Moreau as a Parisian chambermaid who uses her body and wiles to navigate the perversion, corruption, and violence she encounters at the provincial estate where she goes to work. Though highly satirical and reflective of his typical anti-bourgeois sentiments, it is one of Buñuel's more realistic films, and generally avoids the outlandish surrealist imagery and far-fetched plot twists found in many of his other works.
🤖Diary of a Chambermaid Reddit Talks
Diary of a Chambermaid (1964) is a classic film that has sparked many discussions on Reddit. Here are some of the key topics that have been raised:
1. Social Commentary
The film is a sharp critique of the class system and the exploitation of domestic workers. Redditors have praised the film for its unflinching depiction of the harsh realities faced by servants in the early 20th century.
“This film is a powerful indictment of the class system,” wrote one Redditor.
2. Feminism
The film also explores themes of feminism and female empowerment. The protagonist, Celestine, is a strong and independent woman who refuses to be defined by her social status.
“Celestine is a complex and fascinating character,” wrote another Redditor.
3. Cinematography
The film’s cinematography has also been praised by Redditors. The use of long takes, natural lighting, and handheld camerawork creates a sense of realism and immediacy.
“The cinematography is stunning,” wrote one Redditor.
4. Acting
The film’s cast has also been praised for their performances. Jeanne Moreau gives a tour-de-force performance as Celestine, and the supporting cast is equally impressive.
“The acting is superb,” wrote one Redditor.
5. Historical Context
The film is set in the early 20th century, and Redditors have discussed the film’s historical context. The film provides a glimpse into the lives of domestic workers during this time period.
“The film is a valuable historical document,” wrote one Redditor.
6. Comparison to Other Films
Redditors have also compared Diary of a Chambermaid to other films that explore similar themes. Some have compared it to Luis Buñuel’s other films, such as The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie and Viridiana.
“Diary of a Chambermaid is a must-see for fans of Buñuel,” wrote one Redditor.
7. Personal Experiences
Some Redditors have shared their personal experiences with the film. Some have said that the film resonated with them because they have worked as domestic workers themselves.
“This film really spoke to me,” wrote one Redditor.
Overall, Diary of a Chambermaid is a thought-provoking and well-crafted film that has sparked many discussions on Reddit. The film’s social commentary, feminist themes, cinematography, acting, historical context, and comparisons to other films have all been praised by Redditors.
Top discussions
- https://www.reddit.com/r/criterionconversation/comments/16hffkw/criterion_by_spine_117_diary_of_a_chambermaid_1964/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/personalhistoryoffilm/comments/16kogpv/le_journal_dune_femme_de_chambre_diary_of_a/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/classicfilms/comments/tr6wxo/tuesday_trash_or_treasure_the_diary_of_a/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/Ijustwatched/comments/oilr8d/ijw_diary_of_a_chambermaid_1964/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/movies/comments/c1u2gf/the_chambermaid_la_camarista_film_review/
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What is the movie “Diary of a Chambermaid” about? Historical accuracy.
The movie “Diary of a Chambermaid” follows the story of Celestine, a chambermaid who joins a household in the late 19th century and gets entangled in a murder investigation. Despite some narrative glitches and a shaky timeline, the film delves deep into human nature and societal issues.
Who stars in the 1964 film “Diary of a Chambermaid”?
The 1964 film “Diary of a Chambermaid” is directed by Luis Buñuel and stars Jeanne Moreau as the Parisian chambermaid, Georges Géret, and Michel Piccoli among others in captivating roles that add depth to the storyline.
What themes are explored in the 2015 film adaptation of “Diary of a Chambermaid”?
The 2015 film adaptation of “Diary of a Chambermaid” artfully brings out themes of brutal sexism and rigid class distinctions. The movie is known for its good aesthetic quality and superb acting performances that highlight the book’s underlying messages.
Where can I watch “Diary of a Chambermaid” online?
You can watch “Diary of a Chambermaid” on various online streaming platforms like Tubi or JustWatch. The film is a noteworthy drama piece set in 1939 France, exploring the intriguing dynamics of a rural estate with different characters and their dark secrets.
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