Juan Piquer Simon Dies at 74.

The greatest director of all time has been taken from us.

I absolutely and unequivocally loved and adored this man for the longest time because he was, dear reader, one of the most incredible directors ever who directed some of my absolute favorite films.

You've head me babble endlessly about Supersonic Man and its resolute perfection. I have also reviewed Slugs and found it to be above average for a flesh-eating invertebrate movie. I have yet to review Pieces (believe me, that review's coming) but you can rest assured that it will be a favorable review.

Why do I love the work of the late-lamented Mister Simon? Because he was someone who was in a class all by himself; he was a man who wasn't afraid to make his films and the people in them look as if they were hung out to dry in service to the story he was to tell. There were actors who may have looked silly; there were special effects that seemed under-achieving (or OVER-achieving in Slugs' case); there were moments in all fo his films that just screamed in the face of common sense. But I loved every one of the films I've seen helmed by Juan P. because he was a man who loved what he did and gave his all.

And I loved him for it. As did anyone who truly appreciated him.

Now, as a final tribute to the man, I present to you the absolute greatest three-plus minutes of your life: the trailer for Supersonic Man:



Here is to you, Juan Piquer Simon. May your tortured artistic soul rest in peace for eternity, forever free from the scrutiny of people who prefer all that Spielberg carpola.

Dope out.

- TGWD