Review of The Holy Mountain (1973) by Grant P — 07 Jun 2008

Avant-garde, thy name is Alejandro Jodorowsky. To analyze this or any of his films is almost another entire process of filmmaking, because you'd have to subject each image to analysis and then generally relate those images to one another with the context of the scene and the entire film. Additionally, you'd need to pay mind to religious texts and cultural implications (mainly sexual). Sure, this may be commonplace with any film, but it wouldn't prove to the challenge it is here.

I suppose the theme behind The Holy Mountain is unity and selflessness. It's heavily in favor of Eastern philosophy (Taoist or Buddist), which contrasts Christianity. (The Thief is obviously Jesus). El Topo had echoes of religion around its central character, but it dominates everything in this film. El Topo is also a more humorous endeavor while The Holy Mountain is just grandiose disturbing, pscyhedelia. Nudity and violence are pervasive. Jodorowsky unites these images in hopes of revealing an underlying reality.

For the few minutes I listened to Jodorowsky's commentary, he refers to himself in the third person, claiming that a different man made the film in 1973. It is the Alejandro of old, and this new man is going to try his best to convey his messages. This is very strange, almost like a vicarious retelling.

This is a more complete film than El Topo. If you want to venture into this surreal realm, just know that's it's what most people call "fucked up." haha.