The Garden of Delights (1970)

In the mesmerizing labyrinth of surrealism that is "The Garden of Delights" (1970), we plunge into the life of Antonio Cano, a middle-aged construction magnate caught in an unforgiving web of familial greed and manipulation. Following a car accident, the once authoritative figure finds himself ensnared by amnesia, constrained to a wheelchair, and haunted by an elusive past. As Antonio struggles to regain his memory, his family's desperation heightens. He alone possesses the keys to the empire: the Swiss bank account numbers, the vault combination, the power to sign documents, and the ability to steer the corporate board. His memory loss threatens to topple their world of opulence, sparking a devious campaign to reignite his dormant recollections. From his domineering father, who yearns to retain control over the family business, to his avaricious wife, children, and mistress, who are all hungry for Antonio's wealth, they resort to bizarre strategies. They construct an uncanny theatre of his past, intertwining it with his present, blurring the line between reality and hallucination. They reenact traumatic childhood incidents, attempting to shock and cajole his memory back into existence. The Garden of Delights presents an intriguing tableau of power struggles, subconscious journeys, and human frailty. As Antonio's life spirals between the real and the surreal, one question looms — will he emerge from the chaos? The answer awaits in this tantalizing exploration of memory, manipulation, and the relentless pursuit of wealth.

The Garden of Delights is a drama movie featuring Geraldine Chaplin.

The Garden of Delights is currently streaming on Criterion Channel.