Simon, a deeply religious man living in the 4th century, wants to be nearer to God so he climbs a column. The Devil wants him come down to Earth and is trying to seduce him.
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Title: Simon of the Desert (1965)
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2 wins & 1 nomination.
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Cast
| Cast overview: | |||
| Claudio Brook | ... | Simón | |
| Silvia Pinal | ... | The Devil | |
| Enrique Álvarez Félix | ... | Brother Matías | |
 |
Hortensia Santoveña | ... | The Mother |
|
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Francisco Reiguera | ... | The Devil as an Old Witch |
| Luis Aceves Castañeda | ... | Priest | |
| Enrique García Álvarez | |||
|
|
Antonio Bravo | ... | Priest |
|
|
Enrique del Castillo | ... | The Mutilated One |
|
|
Eduardo MacGregor | ||
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Plot Summary
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Storyline
The ascetic Simón believes he is a sinner and decides to self-inflict a sacrifice, living like a hermit on the top of a pedestal in the middle of the desert to be closer to God and resist the temptations of the world. His followers are peasants and travelers that believe that Simón is a saint capable of performing miracles and they crowd to hear his speeches. However, Satan tries to tempt him with the pleasures of the world. Written by Claudio Carvalho, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Plot Keywords:
temptation | dark humor | bare breasts | absurd humor | female nudity |Parents Guide:
View content advisory »
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See full technical specs »
Details
Country:
MexicoRelease Date:
9 February 1970 (Mexico) See more »Also Known As:
Simon of the Desert See more »Filming Locations:
Samalayuca, Chihuahua, MexicoCompany Credits
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IMDbPro »
Technical Specs
Runtime:
Sound Mix:
MonoColor:
Black and WhiteAspect Ratio:
1.85 : 1
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The Devil: "Radioactive Flesh." It's the latest - and the last!
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Did You Know?
Trivia
The film's eponymous ascetic is based on the 5th-century Syrian saint Simeon Stylites. While this film takes obvious artistic license with the story, Simeon Stylites also famously perched on a pillar in the desert, reportedly for 37 consecutive years. See more »Goofs
When the coffin is floating through the desert toward Simon's pillar, the wire pulling the coffin can be seen several times. See more »Quotes
Simon: What's this dance called?The Devil: "Radioactive Flesh." It's the latest - and the last!
See more »
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This film is maybe one of the best films that Buñuel ever made although not among the most popular. Why? Because the production was shot faster than fast and the money ran out so the film couldn't complete the screenplay and art direction is poor. Besides there is the cultural fact, you need some religious background (Catholic if possible) to understand the irony of the film and the references. Humour differs from drama mainly in it's strong connection with time and environment while the latter is more transcultural and timeless. Buñuel had a deep religious knowledge although he lacked faith. The reason why the rock scene is so is that Buñuel didn't like rock. Sometimes people prefer Buñuel's French films because they look more glamorous, the caracters are more sophisticated and wearing richer clothes. Anyway I think the core of his filmography are his 'hispanic' films and the first ones ('l'age d'or', 'le chien andalou', Él, Los Olvidados, Viridiana, Tristana,...).