El Topo
Dir: Alejandro Jodorowsky
1970
*****
Jodorowsky's often misunderstood 'Western' is a surreal masterpiece riddled with religious symbolism and bizarre mythology. There is so much in here, so many influences, it's easy to make comparisons but the best way I can put it is that it's like a Sergio Leone directed Monty Python sketch, written by a south American version of Henry Miller who has based the story on an old testament parable, painted by Dali, exploitation style. There is of course, no need for that orgy ever to happen, as we have been blessed with the eyes, mind and most importantly, the cojones of Jodorowsky, the master of the midnight movies. Jodorowsky says; 'If you are great, El Topo is a great picture. If you are limited, El Topo is limited'. I am great then it seems.