Review of Aleister Crowley: Legend of the Beast (2013) by Rick R — 21 Aug 2014

"Aleister Crowley: Legend Of The Beast" is a biopic of sorts of the more spiritual journey of the legendary man of darkness, Aleister Crowley. The film is written/directed by Dom Lenoir and stars Henry Amphlett, Elle Black, Claire Bowen, Kathryn Carpenter, Melanie Denholme, Val Monk, Paul T. Horsfield, William Ludwig and Anna Elena Pepe. Aleister Crowley was a magnet to all, many were drawn to his presence and exceptional wisdom but there were also those that he repelled. This film looks back on one man's amazing journey from his death bed.

The story of "Aleister Crowley: Legend Of The Beast" is an easy one to tell, he is one of the most covered and documented men of the darker side of wisdom in modern history so this film should have been a sure thing. However it is not. The story presents as a rough draft from a community college drama club and is given an equal quality performance. I really wanted to like this film because of the subject so I was quite disappointed, most fell to the performances of the actors which are forced, recited lines without emotion or character.

The effects and soundtrack in "Aleister Crowley: Legend Of The Beast" is basic and expected effects for a film on this budget which was low. The special effects are equal to cable television aspects on the cheaper side with the soundtrack offering a mediocre, cliché atmosphere that seems to command more of a wearied effect than the desired dramatics that the director hoped for. I found myself bored with this film and aside from Denholme's presence, "Legend Of The Beast" offers nothing thrilling, or entertaining.