The Young One

The Young One, a movie released in 1960 and directed by the celebrated Mexican director Luis Buñuel, is a provocative and challenging film that explores complex themes of race, desire, and morality. The movie stars Zachary Scott, Bernie Hamilton, and Key Meersman in pivotal roles, and it unfolds amidst the backdrop of a secluded island in the American South.

The story begins when Traver (Zachary Scott), a white jazz musician evading false charges of pedophilia, stumbles upon an island where Miller (Bernie Hamilton), an African-American man, is running from racially charged false accusations of rape. The island, which is largely uninhabited, takes on the role of a microcosm of the larger society, with its tensions and prejudices reflected in the interactions between its few occupants.

The island is overseen by a solitary gamekeeper, who has recently passed away, leaving his granddaughter Evalyn, portrayed by Key Meersman, alone. Evalyn is a young, innocent girl on the verge of womanhood who is naive to the world beyond the island. The arrival of Traver and Miller sets the stage for a powerful and contentious dynamic, as both men project their desires and fears onto Evalyn, who is caught in the middle of their struggle.

As the narrative unfolds, the three main characters form a triangle of tension and misunderstanding. The racially charged atmosphere of the American South during the 1960s is an undercurrent throughout the film, influencing the characters' perceptions and interactions. Traver, a man on the run, develops a complex and troubling relationship with Evalyn, who looks to him as a potential protector and father figure in the absence of her grandfather. Simultaneously, Miller's presence on the island becomes a catalyst for conflict as Traver's latent racism and protective instincts towards Evalyn are provoked.

Luis Buñuel, known for his surrealist approach to filmmaking, infuses The Young One with a subtle but powerful critique of societal norms and prejudices. The isolated setting of the island amplifies the sense of claustrophobia and the inevitability of confrontation as the characters navigate their intersecting fears and desires. The film does not shy away from addressing the harsh realities of racial discrimination and the moral complexities inherent in human relationships.

Zachary Scott's portrayal of Traver captures the character's suave exterior while subtly revealing his inner turmoil and self-doubt. Bernie Hamilton's performance as Miller is both resilient and sympathetic, giving audiences a glimpse into the desperation and dignity of a man unjustly accused and on the run. Key Meersman's Evalyn is both vulnerable and curious, representing a point of innocence and transformation as she is unwittingly thrust into the darker aspects of adult life.

Throughout The Young One, Buñuel uses his signature directorial techniques, such as dreamlike imagery and stark contrasts, to challenge the viewer's assumptions and to underscore the complex nature of the story. The director's keen sense of storytelling and attention to character development allow for a layered approach to the subject matter at hand, making the film an engaging and thought-provoking experience.

Buñuel's handling of taboo subjects in the context of the 1960s is particularly noteworthy, as the film doesn't shy away from depicting the raw and often uncomfortable realities of the characters' lives. The provocative subject matter is tackled with a measure of sensitivity and a depth of understanding that allows the film to serve as a social commentary without becoming didactic or moralizing.

The Young One moves at a deliberate pace, allowing the tension to build naturally between the characters as they reveal their prejudices, their weaknesses, and their inherent humanity. The use of the island as a standalone world gives the sense that the unfolding drama could be happening anywhere, forcing viewers to confront the universality of the themes presented.

The cinematography and sound design of the film also play important roles in conveying the isolation, tension, and unnerving calmness of the island setting. The camera frequently lingers on the natural beauty of the landscape, contrasting the external tranquility with the internal chaos of the characters' lives.

As the film draws towards its climax, audiences are left to grapple with the ethical dilemmas faced by the characters and the society they represent. The Young One's uncompromising exploration of contentious issues, combined with its powerful performances and skilled direction, make it a standout film that remains relevant and powerful even decades after its original release.