Review of The Holy Mountain (1973) by Tomass P — 17 Jun 2013

M....so this film exists and that fact alone is reason enough to see it. There is no option but to respond to The Holy Mountain, because it is a slap in the face and a kick to the groin. It's totally grotesque, surreal, psychedelic and loud as hell.

The imagery is so grotesque it borders on oppressive (which is certainly the intent). The set-design/mise-en-scene is immaculate, the inverted religious and political symbolism is lurid and insane and mostly enthralling (though there are points it wears on you), and there's a point where all of the film's forms of subversion and blasphemy create an almost sacred ambiance.

That or a weird-ass cult. I can't be sure. It's as if Jodorowsky (the Director, Star, Writer, Producer, Editor etc. WTF) is constructing his own cult of rebellion.There is nothing like "THM" that exists in Art.

If anything, Jodorowsky has made something wholly singular, which gives it an unmistakable energy that can only come from the purity of expression. Expression...and a truckload of LSD and mushrooms. PS.

There is a 10-minute scene where Horned Frogs are costumed and effectively re-enact the conquest of Mexico on a model of right before they are blown to hell ( the frogs are actually blown apart by real explosives, sorry PETA); while a Thief dressed to resemble Jesus Christ watches.

This 'Christ Figure' later eats the face of mannequin made in his image, which turns out to be birthday cake. He then sends the faceless Mannequin up to heaven with a host of red and blue balloons.

Yeah.