Review of El Topo (1970) by Matthew F. J — 09 May 2015
El Topo is an anomalous film that defies any categorical convention. For genres sake we'll call it a surrealistic western. It is both biblical and sacrilegious, iconoclastic in every sense. Dichotomous in nature, Jodorowsky's character "El Topo" (The Mole) encompasses God and man.
In the form of a self-proclaimed god during the film's first half, he cheats his way to mastery and perfection. The second half, where he humbles himself to be simply a man and no god, he proves himself worthy of godly actions.
As a man who believes he is God in the film's first half (Genesis) he is self loathing yet presents himself as a master, of destruction rather than salvation. One thing for sure is it will both infuriate and enthrall its audience.
Love it or hate it, its significance can hardly be denied. It must be seen to be believed. One of the most fascinating movies to ever grace the screen.
This review of El Topo (1970) was written by Matthew F. J on 09 May 2015.
El Topo has generally received positive reviews.
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