June 26^th–   Él is a Mexican film by Luis Buñuel based upon the novel by Mercedes Pinto originally released in the US as “This Strange Passion.”

“What starts as a foot fetish aroused at a Holy Thursday service morphs into romantic obsession and pathological jealousy… Francisco Galván (Arturo de Córdova), a rich middle-aged bachelor, becomes fixated on a proper young socialite (Delia Garcés). Under his relentless attention, she marries Francisco, who soon reveals himself to be a manipulative monster…. [isolating] her from her friends and family, [and getting] her to doubt her own behavior, her motives, and even her sanity.” – Richard Brody, The New Yorker

Long unavailable due to obscure reasons of film rights, this is perhaps the most underseen of Luis Buñuel’s great films made during his sojourn in Mexico. Here, Buñuel is unsparing in his incisive and downright dark portrayal of a man, outwardly normal, who, behind closed doors, terrorizes his inamorata. But because of the place of women in society, she has no place to turn for help. Bleak, powerful, and relevant. Directed by Luis Buñuel. Rated N/R 82 minutes.