The Phantom of Liberty

Overview

This Surrealist film, with a title referencing the Communist Manifesto, strings together short incidents based on the life of director Luis Buñuel. Presented as chance encounters, these loosely related, intersecting situations, all without a consistent protagonist, reach from the 19th century to the 1970s. Touching briefly on subjects such as execution, pedophilia, incest, and sex, the film features an array of characters, including a sick father and incompetent police officers.

Cast

Jean-Claude Brialy

Mr. Foucault

Adriana Asti

The Lady in Black, the Sister of the First Prefect

Milena Vukotić

The Nurse

Monica Vitti

Mrs. Foucault

Jean Rochefort

Mr. Legendre

Michel Piccoli

The Second Police Prefect

Adolfo Celi

The Doctor

Claude Piéplu

The Commissioner

Paul Frankeur

The Innkeeper

Pierre Maguelon

The Policeman

François Maistre

The Professor

Marie-France Pisier

Mrs. Calmette