Review of The Holy Mountain (1973) by Brian T — 23 Nov 2015

Is Holy Mountain a good movie?

It's tough to say. It is definitely a movie worth watching, however, I don't think somebody walks away from the viewing without any feeling other than "Huh" and "Man, people do some weird shit for religious purposes.".

Alejandro Jodorowsky's movie, bankrolled by members and management of The Beatles that was later distributed in 2007 on DVD, is a provocative mix of Art House & Fantasy. I don't pretend to be a master of either nomination and I'm even more reluctant to offer a recommendation for all types of filmgoer to indulge in this film. This film is intense, weird and meant to discomfort the lay pastoral public.

Technically, each frame is mesmorizing. The colors are brillant and all of the actors' blocking flawless. Barring the obvious religious symbolism amongst the characters, the imagery is more like an exercise in the world of Salvidor Dali than a linear parable for one to decipher and understand.

I think the exploratory filmgoer would enjoy a one time viewing of this film away from overintellectualization and interpretation. This film is meant to be experienced and not understood.

To me this film comes from a similar state of mind that I imagine Stravinsky's "Rite of Spring" was composed and I strongly feel that much like the throngs of those who attended the first couple of Stravinsky's recitals, you will either stay until the end in shock or protest the film on the streets.