This essay reconsiders ‘L’Âge d’or’ in the context of Buñuel’s career, the film’s production and premiere; ist surrealist aspect; and ‘L’Âge d’or’s ultimate re-release in 1980. My interest is focussed particularly on the connection between ‘choq’ and surrealist aesthetics. Finally, I compare Bunuel’s concept of shock with that of later films.