Elckerlyc (1975)

"Elckerlyc" (1975) is a Dutch drama film directed by Jos Stelling, loosely based on the 15th-century morality play of the same name. It stars George Bruens in the titular role, with most of the cast comprising non-professional actors, which was a signature approach of Stelling's early films.

Plot: The film follows Elckerlyc, a man without scruples living in Medieval times. He lives a life of crime, barely distinguishing between right and wrong. His character is that of a purebred misanthrope until he falls in love with a poor, lonely girl living under a bridge. Their brief happiness is shattered when she is killed by the village idiot, prompting Elckerlyc to descend into madness and seek vengeance in increasingly grotesque ways. He marries a Burgundian Duchess to gain power, then employs a magician who provides him with a magical instrument that can kill in multiple ways, leading to further chaos and destruction.