Satanis

Satanis: The Devil's Mass is a provocative, intriguing 1970 documentary directed by Ray Laurent. Set in San Francisco, it unveils the world of Anton Szandor LaVey, the founder and high priest of the Church of Satan, his intriguing followers, and the sensationalistic philosophy they preached. LaVey, the central figure in this flick, was a former circus lion tamer and police crime scene photographer before he embarked on a path to cultivate a religious following. The film features many appealing personalities such as Isaac Bonewits, Diane LaVey, and a company of mesmerizing participants who subscribe to LaVey’s Satanism.

Much like its title, Satanis is an in-depth dive into the underworld, a curious exploration into Satanism as an organized religious movement rooted in individualism and materialism, shades away from the stereotypical evil and malevolence associated with the name Satan. What makes this documentary a must-watch is its effort to strip away the mythology surrounding satanism and its sensational public image and provide a genuine anthropological glimpse into its followers, rituals, and beliefs.

Anton LaVey, the central figure, is an enigmatic figure who induces a range of emotions by merely his presence. LaVey aimed to create a religion that, instead of focusing on heavenly rewards or the fear of hell, focused on earthly joys, materialism, and carnality. His philosophy is a manifestation of a desire to embrace life and its pleasures without guilt. And he does so by propounding a symbology and lifestyle counter to traditional religious conventions - hence the association with Satan. His charismatic influence over the adherents and opponents alike is a core thrust of the movie.

The film introduces us to LaVey’s enthralling disciples, featuring Isaac Bonewits and Diane LaVey amongst others. Isaac Bonewits, seen in the film, was a recognized authority on Witchcraft, western occultism, and neo-paganism, trying to rationalize and make articulate the abstract concepts of occult practices. Diane LaVey is Anton’s wife and one of the early members of the Church, who contributed to putting together the Church’s rituals and actively took part in the ceremonies.

Satanis is an attempt to understand the nascent Church of Satan in the way that its followers do - neither as an act of evil nor as a shallow publicity stunt. The film surveys its origins, rituals, and beliefs, while also capturing the culture of the late 60s and early 70s counter-culture movement, making it part historical document and part cultural tableau. Its guileless insight into the lives of everyday people choosing to identify as satanists is bound to captivate your curiosity.

Director Ray Laurent blurs the line between impartial observer and active participant to provide viewers with an insider view, choosing to let the subjects speak for themselves without external commentary. The film juxtaposes shots of ritualistic performances with candid interviews of LaVey and followers, delivering an unvarnished view of their activities and thoughts. The film, however, purposefully includes interviews with the local community, revealing their deep-seated fears and suspicions about Satanists, adding depth to the narrative.

Visually, the black-and-white footage adds to the mystique of the subject matter, casting a surreal veil over the proceedings. The historical significance of the film is only elevated by its timeless look. The film's sound is also intriguing, particularly the eerie organ that underscores the suspenseful moments.

The film comes across as a thoughtful, carefully articulated investigation into one facet of fringe religious behavior. Throughout the documentary, it neither condemns nor approves of the Church or its followers, instead, it simply showcases them. For better or worse, this level of neutrality is rare in controversial subjects like Satanism.

To conclude, Satanis: The Devil's Mass does more than just documenting a religious fringe group. It serves as a thought-provoking springboard for discussions around societal norms, religious freedom, and the human yearning for identity and acceptance.

Whether you are an ardent critic, a curious onlooker, or a pursuer of alternate perspectives, this groundbreaking film is not only an exploration into the world of Satanism but also a mirror reflecting society's fears and anxieties about the known and unknown.