Review of The Holy Mountain (1973) by Sam M — 09 Nov 2007

At the time of filming it had the largest budget in Mexican film history. After seeing it, it's hard to imagine anyone could have understood this script, let alone given money to the project. All I have to say is Jodorowsky must be a very convincing fundraiser.

Very convincing indeed. I won't bother describing the plot since it's often not important. The film is packed with religious allegory and symbolism (also feces are a repeated motif). Jodorowsky is alternatingly obtuse and direct with his messages, and some of the most compelling moments are the most confusing.

It's absurdist and surreal, and at times bitterly funny. If it were released today, it would most certainly receive a strict NC-17 rating for almost everything, graphic immasculating violence, pervasive nudity, cruelty towards animals etc.

But he has a confidence with his material that never wavers. He is deliberate with his camera and sets, and composes some brilliantly conceived shots. In terms of pure filmmaking, it's hard to beat this.