Santa Sangre is one of Roger Ebert’s “Great Movies.” First released in 1989, Alejandro Jodorowsky’s surreal film manages to keep the audience guessing from start to finish. I’d be hard pressed to name a more bizarre movie. Part of the movie takes part in a circus that is touring Mexico. Another part takes place in a mental hospital. Fenix, the lead character, is initially introduced as a man who thinks he’s a bird. Disaster after disaster befalls Fenix, both as a child and as a man. Jodorowsky seems to be channeling Philip K. Dick because questions of Reality keep popping up. If you’re in the mood for a completely unique movie experience, watch Santa Sangre. But be prepared for the Unusual. You’ve never seen a movie like this before. GRADE: A
Goes on the Netflix queue today. Thanks!
When SANTA SANGRE arrives from NetFlix, be ready for something completely unique, Scott.
It freaked me out when I first saw it, and I’m not easily freaked!
I’m still freaked out, Paul!
Wow, this does sound bizarre. You are into circuses this week.
Life is a circus around here, Patti. We’re advising students for Fall Semester, getting ready for FINAL EXAMS, and the Sabres play the Flyers in a Game Seven tonight!
You want to be freaked out, all you have to do is go to South L.A., – or maybe downtown Detroit – after midnight…
Or Buffalo, Rick.
As I noted on my blog, George, you might or might not want to check out the film that made Jodorowsky’s career, at least in the States: EL TOPO.
It’s on my list of SEE REAL SOON movies, Todd. I am still in shock from watching SANTA SANGRE.
EL TOPO is even more visceral, I believe, and very literally so.
As soon as I recover from SANTA SANGRE, I’ll give EL TOPO a look, Todd.