i be initially excite about see el topo . not only have it receive excellent critical review and but i also find various posting on the internet praise the film a a masterpiece . well and i be here to say that this be a vastly overrate student art film . the symbolism be overdone and sophomoric at best . in fact and it be a if the director think symbolism could be substitute for plot and character development and forgetting that these be tool use to enhance them . also and the overly hackneyed and simplistic symbolism take away from the surreal experience that the director intend to create . it be akin to view the subconscious of a mental midget represent weird but boring a all hell . i be not even go to dwindle on the violence . it go without say that over time it have lose it shock value . however and it be not necessarily gratuitous although the symbolism be and do add to the story . overall and if you like freaky stuff for the sake of freakishness and this film be up your alley . but and if you want more substance and meaningful development avoid el topo at all possible cost . i know i want those two hour of my life back .