Review of Simon of the Desert

'Simon Of The Desert' was made in between two of Bunuel's most admired movies 'Diary Of A Chambermaid' and 'Belle De Jour'. It rarely gets mentioned but I think it's one of Bunuel's most entertaining movies. Claudio Brook and Silvia Pinel who had both appeared in 'The Exterminating Angel' star. Brook (who later appeared in the astonishing Mexican nunsploitation classic 'Alucarda') plays the saintly Simon who denies himself earthy pleasures and stands on top of a tall pillar. Pinal (best remembered for the title role in Bunuel's classic 'Viridiana') plays The Devil, who tries various tricks and arguments to tempt the self-righteous Simon, culminating in an unexpected trip into the future. I believe I'm right in saying that the financing ran out making this movie 45 minutes instead of a full length feature. I don't think that was a bad thing, it just goes for the right length, never outstaying its welcome. It's typical Bunuel full of witty surprises and black comedy. I enjoyed it very much.