1970s

The greed of men has often been a preoccupation of John Huston throughout his career, but never has expanded it to the spectacular, godlike proportions we witness here in The Man Who Would Be King, which sets a rollicking adventure against an epic historical backdrop of nationalistic British imperialism.

As William Friedkin’s demented, expressionistic imagery gradually seeps into the quiet suburbs of America, his patient narrative moves in parallel towards a climactic test of faith, ultimately not just crafting a controversial cultural touchstone, but a masterwork of cinematic horror.

With each successive scene building on previously established motifs and ideas, The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie develops a rigorous theme and variation structure that serves to bolster Luis Buñuel’s acidic attack on Europe’s wealthy ruling classes.