Review of Simon of the Desert (1965) by Kevin N — 27 Feb 2009
Perversely chilling and provocatively funny. This is one of Bunuel's most striking achievements, a true work of art both thematically and aesthetically. By allowing the devil to be unmistakingly human and tempting Simon with pleasures of the most ordinary kind, the line between religious loyalty and mortal self-torture is drawn dangerously thin.
The cinematogaphy by Gabriel Figueroa is nothing short of extraordinary, moving with a spiritual delicacy between Simon and his pillar and the people among the beautiful land. The film's collision of an ending (due mostly to cut funding) actually serves it quite well; the abrupt absurdity is certainly hellish, but also devilishly fun.
But of course, this is what Bunuel was all about.
This review of Simon of the Desert (1965) was written by Kevin N on 27 February 2009.
Simon of the Desert has generally received very positive reviews.
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