'Belle de Jour' trivia and fun facts

Open ending

According to Luis Buñuel scholar Julie Jones, Buñuel once said that he himself didn't know what the end exactly means.

Special subtitles

In most subtitled versions of the film, an italicized font is used to help the audience spot Séverine's fantasies from reality.

Play words

'Belle de jour' is a day lily in French, a flower that blooms only by day, as Severine is available only during the afternoons. "Belle de jour" is also a sort of pun, as it reminds us of "belle de nuit", an euphemism for prostitute.

Sound effects

In the rape scene, her dress was fitted with Velcro to give off a tearing sound as it was ripped away.

Special appearance

When the Duke (Georges Marchal) arrives by carriage at the outdoor cafe, he pauses beside a table at which Luis Bunuel and another man are sipping coffee.