Lucifer Rising

Lucifer Rising is a pioneer experimental short film released in 1972, embodying the avant-garde and counterculture ethos of the period. Directed, produced, and written by the renowned filmmaker and occultist Kenneth Anger, the film is a captivating, symbolic, and somewhat surreal exploration of myth, mystique, and the invocation of spiritual energies. Running for approximately 29 minutes, with no dialogue, this cult classic features an intriguing cast that includes Bobby Beausoleil, Donald Cammell, and Marianne Faithfull.

Kenneth Anger is celebrated for his ground-breaking approach to cinema, which was particularly influential in shaping the experimental genre. Recognized for his provocative filmmaking approach, Anger sought to be a conduit between the mystical dimensions of being and its tangible manifestation on screen. He had a personal fascination with Aleister Crowley, a famous British occultist and ceremonial magician, and the teachings of Thelema, a philosophy or religion based on the law of Thelema, founded by Crowley. This fascination is mirrored in Lucifer Rising through its rich occultist symbolism.

The film Lucifer Rising delves into the occult realm, replete with mythic and symbolic projection. Lucifer, the Bringer of Light and a herald of the dawn, is drawn from its pre-Christian roots in this film rather than being depicted as a figure of evil, typically associated with Satanic implication. Instead, Lucifer is portrayed as a rebellious angel bringing light, enlightenment, and anarchy, rising to upset the status quo and establish a new cosmic order.

Bobby Beausoleil, who also created the haunting, hypnotic original score for the film while serving a prison sentence, delivers a compelling performance as Lucifer. His portrayal threads itself beautifully in the grand tapestry of the film's purpose – an intriguing exploration of the Peter Pan Syndrome, the refusal to grow up and conform to society's expectations. Donald Cammell's performance as Osiris and Marianne Faithfull's portrayal of Lilith further add depth and flavor to the narrative.

The movie also embarks on a transformative journey of Lilith, a female demon figure co-opted from Jewish mythology, which incarnates as a goddess who is both feared and revered. Faithfull's portrayal of Lilith is enigmatic and engaging, refusing to fall into the confines of cliche. Unveiling Lilith's power and complexity, her character offers a stark contrast to the traditional female archetype that was prevalent in the media then and remains so today.

The film features an array of locales, including the Pyramids and the Sphinx of Egypt, the lava flows of Hawaii's Mauna Loa volcano, and Stonehenge's ancient circles. Through the scope of the camera and the strategic interchange of these locations, Anger establishes a surrealist voyage across time and space, signifying the birth and transcendence of spirituality, magic, and power. The transposition of space and time serves as an allegory for the philosophical journey of the soul.

In Lucifer Rising, there is a staggering array of fascinating, yet cryptic, symbols derived from various ancient cultures and subcultures from all around the world. Detailed occult rituals are depicted with clarity, yet remain enigmatic, inviting the audience into a sort of pagan, mystical conclave.

All the elements of this unusual, eccentric motion picture come together to form a strange, dreamlike aesthetic and atmosphere, cloaked in the guise of esoteric symbolism and ancient mythology. It is an immersive experience to participate in this transcendental cinematic performance as it takes viewers on a journey into prolific dimensions of consciousness.

Lucifer Rising stands as a fascinating artifact of experimental cinema. It unsettles the audience with its non-linear narrative, captivating visual aesthetic, and mystical tone. It is a film that allows viewers to delve into the mysterious terrain of ritualistic occultism with the disruption of narrative norms, demonstrating both Kenneth Anger's artistry and his fascination with mysticism and the occult.

For enthusiasts of avant-garde cinema and those with an interest in esoteric and occult culture, Lucifer Rising is a significant viewing-investment. Its unique blend of intertwining themes, resonating symbolism, and the undeniably powerful representation of the occult world guarantees richly rewarding and thought-provoking viewing.