Review of The Holy Mountain (1973) by Séamus M — 15 Sep 2010
This work is a masterpiece, an artwork of absolute wonder. It cannot be dismissed as hippie, psychedelic crap, and not just because it explicitly ridicules the pseudo-enlightenment mind-altering drugs can bring.
The tempo is faster than almost anything I've ever seen. Jodorowsky has managed to pack in as much symbolism as he possibly could, and it does not cheapen the work. He worked very hard to research all of his symbols carefully, so instead of obvious, stupid metaphors, the effect is one of deep, rich, mythical tradition.
From time to time, the effect is humorous, because it can be a little too much to take seriously. I think this is what was intended, however. Imagine weaving the symbolism of the tarot and the archetypes of astrology and Greek or Roman myths into the not-so-subtle satire of a Breugel painting, and then setting it into modern life, and you get some idea of what this film is like.
It is a very careful construction, with every little detail given significance. I refuse to believe that its sensibilities are stuck entirely in the New Age movement, as everything and everyone in it seem open to ridicule and re-examination.
Because it is film, however, and there is much nudity and violence, while viewing you may feel the punch of outrageous perversion. But before you are overwhelmed, the simultaneous satire and symbology will take over to arouse your mind each time.
As an added bonus, the DVD restoration of the film is better than the original film, as Jodorowsky oversaw the restoration process and pushed the colors in a direction he couldn't with the original film stock.
And this is a film saturated in color.
This review of The Holy Mountain (1973) was written by Séamus M on 15 Sep 2010.
The Holy Mountain has generally received very positive reviews.
Was this review helpful?
