Review of The Holy Mountain (1973) by Guy S — 10 Sep 2007

If Jodo had one film to reflect on his career defining moments of anarachy and alchemy then this would be it. Quite possibly the most perfect surrealist masterpiece. Where El Topo dragged on a little this sustains its screentime to great effect.

This is truly a visual feast rich in symbolic poetry. Whatever is considered real or material or true, is totally perverted by the master himself. Some of the visual eye candy is on a level above the term 'Art' itself.

Visual ecstacy includes an exhilarating retelling of the conquest of Mexico using frogs and well naturally blood! A parade of carcass crucifixes. A giant electronic vagina. An arms manufacturer who specialises in psychedelic and religious weaponery.

If there is a protagonist it would be the Christ like figure who starts off as a street urchin who becomes molded into plaster and enters the world of the Alchemist where he learns of the mortal God's who will shed all material wealth to overcome the Immortals who reside at the Holy Mountain of Lotus Island.

Jodorowsky fuses numerous ideals and disciplines including all types of imagery from Hinduism to Judaism to his beloved Tarot. The film plays like a Kung Fu Epic where a group of humans join forces to take on the Immortal elders thus becoming one in their quest for spiritual enlightenment.

The solar system segment is by far one of the greatest montages in conterculture cinema. The twist at the end creates an interactive kinetic energy that transcends from frame to spectator. Breathtaking and revolutionary Cult Cinema.