Goya's Ghosts is a 2006 biographical drama film, directed by Miloš Forman (his final directorial feature before his death in 2018),[2][3] and written by him and Jean-Claude Carrière.

Although the historical setting of the film is authentic, the story about Goya trying to defend a model is fictional, as are the characters Brother Lorenzo and the Bilbatúa family.

While posing for Goya, Lorenzo sees a painting and asks about the model he uses, Inés, the daughter of rich merchant Tomás Bilbatúa.

Later, Inés is spotted in a tavern by Holy Office spies (trained by Lorenzo) declining a dish of pork.

He argues that if the accused is innocent, God will give him or her the strength to deny guilt; therefore, a person who confesses under duress must be guilty.

He gives Lorenzo a large gold 'donation' for the Church in the hopes it may persuade the Holy Office to release her.

Lorenzo pleads for Inés, and the Inquisitor-General Father Gregorio accepts the money, but refuses her release, since she has confessed.

Later, her father brings the document to the king, Charles IV who is amused at reading it and promises to look into Inés' situation.

While sketching in Garden Park, Goya notices a prostitute named Alicia who looks just like Inés.

Lorenzo becomes worried and secretly visits Alicia at the park, offering to pay her passage to America if she leaves Spain.

He urges Lorenzo to repent as he is taken to the execution wearing a sanbenito with painted flames, indicating that he is sentenced to hell.

The film ends with a cart taking Lorenzo's body away, escorted by Inés still carrying the child, with Goya following behind and calling for her.

[4] Bardem said he first believed he should have been cast as Goya, but then realized Lorenzo was a "wonderful challenge because he embodies two entirely opposite behaviors.

[4] When getting ready to cast Inés, Forman saw Portman on a magazine cover and noticed how much she looked like The Milkmaid of Bordeaux.