In 1965, a film that barely ran longer than a television episode managed to leave a lasting mark on cinema history.
Simon of the Desert, directed by Luis Buñuel, has since been ranked among the best movies of all time by Rotten Tomatoes, proving that length has little to do with impact.
Clocking in at just about 45 minutes, the film stands out not only for its brevity but for its bold, unconventional storytelling. It follows a devout ascetic, Simon, who lives atop a towering pillar in the desert, seeking spiritual purity while resisting temptation. But as the film unfolds, his isolation is challenged by increasingly surreal encounters, most notably with the Devil, who appears in unexpected forms.
True to Buñuel's signature style, Simon of the Desert blends religious symbolism with dark humor and absurdity, creating a narrative that feels both philosophical and deeply satirical. The film questions faith, devotion and the nature of sacrifice, all while maintaining a tone that is at once playful and unsettling.
No Buñuel film is complete without his signature humor, and he always finds something worthy of laughter. "Always —even if it is tragedy," he told The New York Times. "You must always laugh. There is always an aspect of the absurd.”
Its short runtime was not originally intended. Production constraints forced Buñuel to end the film earlier than planned, resulting in a famously abrupt and surreal conclusion that only adds to its mystique. Rather than diminishing the film, that unexpected ending has become one of its most talked-about features.
Despite its unconventional structure, Simon of the Desert earned critical acclaim, winning the Special Jury Prize at the Venice Film Festival and further cementing Buñuel's reputation as one of cinema's most innovative directors.
Decades later, the film continues to be studied and celebrated for its originality and daring approach to storytelling. And yet, it feels inherently Buñuel. "The subjects are different, but my way of making them is always the same," the director said. "I never make protection shots,” though occasionally he does reshoot scenes "to improve details."
Its place among the best movies of all time serves as a reminder that even the shortest films can leave the deepest impressions.
Related: 1971 Hit Film Ranked Among ‘Best Movies’ of All Time
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