Review of Simon of the Desert (1965) by Eduardo C — 28 Oct 2014

Let me begin by saying it gets a 100% critical approval rating. I started watching this late last night but the moment it began my sleepiness went completely away. It was the same deep spiritual profundity I felt watching Dreyer's "Passion of Joan of Arc" that this film evoked.

WTH is Bunuel doing with this film? How is it possible an atheist can create a work of art with this extreme level of spirituality?? So spiritual, it left me awestruck and drained , and it's only 45 minutes.

Apparently, funding ran out so it could not be longer, but I think that just added to its intensity. Very loosely based on the life of St. Simon Stylites, is this film making fun of God, Jesus, all the saints and martyrs, past, present and future?? Maybe, perhaps, but I honestly think not.

I think the bizarre ending is the key. Some will hate it, probably most people do, but the more I think about it , the more I smile.