Simón del desiert is a Mexican 1965 film directed by Luis Buñuel. It is loosely based on the story of the ascetic 5th-century Syrian saint Simeon Stylites, who lived for 39 years on top of a column. It stars Claudio Brook as Simon. He lives as hermit on top of a column for self-inflicted sacrifice. He does this an attempt to get closer to God for this reason he has numerous peasant followers and clergymen support him in his sacrifice. They believe he is a saint and can perform miracles. The film chronicles him being tempted by the devil as he continues to live atop of the column, the actions of the supposed holy clergymen and his followers. Interesting enough Satan is portrayed by the lovely actress Silvia Pinal who tries various ways of making Simon lose his focus on God.
Review of Simon of the Desert
