Simon of the Desert (1965) on Netflix
In the Syrian desert, the ascetic Simón lives on top of a pillar to be nearer to God. Satan comes in many guises, trying to tempt him down with the world's pleasures.
- Netflix4.5/5
- IMDb7.8/1011,989 votes
- Rotten Tomatoes100%
Trailer
Plot summary
For six years, six weeks and six days, the ascetic Simón has lived on a small platform on top of a pillar in the Syrian desert, praying to be nearer to God. Monks and peasants gather below, and a wealthy family, thankful to him for healing one of them, has built a taller pillar nearby and invites him to move. His elderly mother arrives and asks to remain near him until she dies; he agrees but says he will not speak to her. The monks want to confer holy orders on him; he refuses, calling himself an unworthy sinner. A woman begs him to help her husband, who lost his hands as punishment for theft, and the hands return. Satan appears as a young girl to tempt him.
Cast
- Enrique del Castilloas The Mutilated One
- Ricardo Adalidas Monk (uncredited)
Did you know?!Facts and trivia about Simon of the Desert (1965)
Can contain spoilers, watch the movie first.
- Silvia Pinal recalled that Simon of the Desert began as one of three stories by different directors; she and producer Gustavo Alatriste travelled to Europe to approach Federico Fellini, who suggested his wife Giulietta Masina as the star, and Jules Dassin, who wanted Melina Mercouri.
- Pinal recalled saying no because the three stories were to star her; her husband, producer Gustavo Alatriste, wanted to direct his own part with her, and her refusal marked the beginning of their separation.
- The film is loosely based on Simeon Stylites, a 5th-century Syrian Christian ascetic saint who lived for 36 years on top of a pillar.
- The music video for The New Pornographers' The Laws Have Changed was, according to musician A.C. Newman, "lifted wholesale" from Simon of the Desert.
- Simon of the Desert was the last film Luis Buñuel made during his Mexican period; after it he returned to Europe.
