Chano Urueta, born in 1895 in Mineral de Cusihuiriachi, Mexico, made significant contributions to cult cinema as both a director and actor. He directed the bizarre horror film The Brainiac (1962), showcasing his flair for the macabre and his ability to adapt literature into striking visuals. Urueta also appeared as an actor in The Wild Bunch (1969), a film that redefined the Western genre. His work reflects a deep understanding of narrative and character, making him a notable figure in the realm of exploitation and genre films.
The Brainiac
In Mexico City in 1661, Baron Vitelius d'Estera is condemned by the Inquisition and sentenced to be burned at the stake. As this sentence is carried out, the Baron promises that he will return with the next passage of a comet (visible over the scene of the execution), and slay the descendants of his accusers. Thus in Mexico City in 1961, the promised comet returns, carrying with it Baron Vitelius, who takes advantage of his considerable abilities as a sorcerer to carry out his threat: he is able to change at will into the hairy monster of the title in order to suck out the brains of his victims with a long forked tongue; furthermore, he has strong hypnotic capabilities and is able to render his enemies motionless or force them to act against their wills.
