Simon of the Desert

Silvia Pinal's Devil torments and tempts a holy man in Buñuel’s final Mexican film, which features the most thrillingly unexpected ending.

Based on the story of a 5th century ascetic who spent his days perched alone at the top of a pillar, with the added spice and satire that is typical of Buñuel. Silvia Pinal appears to have a blast as the shape-shifting Devil determined to tempt him down and lure him to a most surreal and otherworldly destination.

Filmed in 18 days and at just 45 minutes long, Simon of the Desert takes an irreverent, punchy look at religion and marked the third and final collaboration between Buñuel and Mexican star Pinal.