The Skeleton of Mrs Morales

In this delightful black comedy, our old amigo Arturo de Córdova (Crepúsculo, The Kneeling Goddess, In the Palm of Your Hand, El) returns in the form of avuncular taxidermist, beloved by many but not his wife (Amparo Rivelles), a religious fanatic who can’t bear to be touched but won’t hear of a divorce. To her church friends, she makes out her husband is a dissolute scoundrel and an abuser. Completely false. Until the day she pushes him too far…

Screenwriter Luis Alcoriza cut his teeth on several Buñuel movies, including El and The Exterminating Angel, and The Skeleton of Mrs Morales has an anti-clerical cast and dry wit that the surrealist must have appreciated. But it’s de Córdova’s deadpan, immensely sympathetic portrayal of the reluctant criminal mastermind which really makes this film such a firm favourite in Mexico.

We appreciate the support of Claro Video // DCP Courtesy of Cineteca Nacional

Probably the best Buñuel movie not made by Buñuel.

Olaf Moller, Locarno Film Festival