Halfway through the film, when a young monk ceases his conversation with a midget shepherd only to commence skipping toward a giant pillar, my viewing companion turned to me and said, "This is the best movie ever."
A surreal adventure trough Simeon Stylites life brings a lot of attention on arrogance, on egoism and the illusions that religion brings. The foreshortening demonstrate the arrogance, and the fact that Simon look at the other with superiority. Some of the scene are very symbolic, like the one where his mother erase a footprint where are ants.
The story of a man who decided to live atop a pillar is prime material for director Luis Bunuel, whose stinging criticism for organized religion is felt here more than ever. The temptation of St. Simeon by the devil is full of bizarre anachronisms and surreal images, and what is present in the film is brilliant. However, the film feels incomplete, ending without real closure with the main character changing at the snap of one's fingers. Taken for what it is, however, "Simon del Desierto" is an entertaining film for those who enjoy Bunuel's satire and his outright zany, yet understated, sense of humor.
Hilarious and razor sharp satire on organized religion. Pretty much a perfect film if not for the somewhat abrupt ending. Who would have though that hell is danceclub in NYC?
MCT:July 16, 2008
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MCT:January 30, 2008
