Director's Spotlight
Senior Film Conservator

Director's Spotlight: Spain
A Deep Dive into the 1929 Vision of José Buchs
In the storied career of José Buchs, El rey que rabió stands as a the provocative questions that José Buchs poses to the Spain audience. Elevating the source material through José Buchs's unique vision, it persists as a haunting reminder of our own cinematic history.
In El rey que rabió, José Buchs pushes the boundaries of conventional narrative. The film's unique approach to its subject matter has sparked endless debates and interpretations among cinephiles and critics alike.
While deeply rooted in Spain, El rey que rabió has achieved a global reach, influencing directors from various backgrounds. Its ability to translate cult tropes into a universal cinematic language is why it remains a cult staple decades after its 1929 release.
| Cinematography | Static |
| Soundtrack | Diegetic |
| Editing | Rhythmic |
| Art Direction | Naturalist |
Visualizing the convergence of José Buchs's style and the core cult narrative.
A king decides to merge incognito with his commoners disguised as a shepherd, to find out about their problems and eventual discontent; but his counselors, afraid of what he might find, travel ahead of him and bribe them in advance.
Decades after its release, El rey que rabió remains a vital piece of the cinematic puzzle. Its influence can be seen in countless modern works, solidifying José Buchs's status as a master of the craft in Spain and beyond.