Review of The Holy Mountain (1973) by Sebastián F — 25 May 2008

I still have no idea what the movieâ??s about. Perhaps itâ??s not meant to be understood, maybe itâ??s just the physical representation of Jodorowskyâ??s madness. Maybe itâ??s something much more, a philosophical revolution.

Maybe itâ??s just a cruel piece of artwork. Whatever it is, it has changed the way I see movies. This film makes The Exorcist look like Bambi. The main thing to look for in Jodorowskyâ??s works is symbolism.

The Holy Mountain is chock full of it. The Thief eating off the face of a wax replica of himself. A woman who makes guns based on the shooters religion. A recreation of the Spanish conquest of the Aztecs using toads.

A manâ??s feces turning into gold. A young prostitute with a monkey following the group of people who are out to replace the Gods. A limbless dwarf. It goes on and on and to describe it all is impossible.

Itâ??s one of those things you have to see to believe. The Holy Mountain was only recently produced on DVD, so now the people of 2007 and beyond can witness the shear insanity, creativity, and possibly genius of what is considered Jodorowskyâ??s finest works.

I could never give this film a grade or numeric rating. I honestly donâ??t know if I hate or love it. I donâ??t know if itâ??s changed me for better or for worst. I donâ??t know if I understand the symbols or if there are symbols at all.

All I know is that the fact this movie was created is proof the human mind can conjure things both horrific and beautiful.