"Belle de Jour" is more interesting and provocative than the great run of pictures one ever sees. Buuel's handling of color is gorgeous. And the acting is impeccable.

People think of Deneuve as cinema's answer to bone china, and indeed the romantic efforts of Truffaut, say, left her looking stiff and staid. But she made the brilliant Bunuel think again, and gave his heart a jump.

With co-writer Jean-Claude Carrire, Buuel creates a secret theatre of erotic shame.

A typical Bunuel rant against bourgeoisie hypocrisy, Belle de Jour also lashes out against unjust patriarchal standards and rigid marital conformities.