Kenneth Anger

Kenneth Anger, born Kenneth Wilbur Anglemyer on February 3, 1927, is a pioneering American underground filmmaker, writer, and artist. His unique, avant-garde films are known for their exploration of occult and homoerotic themes, blending elements of sexuality, mysticism, and surrealism. Anger's work has had a significant impact on both the independent film scene and popular culture, with his innovative filmmaking style and daring subject matter influencing generations of artists and filmmakers.

Anger grew up in Los Angeles and became fascinated with the world of cinema from an early age. He began making short films as a teenager, and his first major work, “Fireworks” (1947), caught the attention of the art and film world for its provocative portrayal of gay themes and surreal visuals. This film would set the stage for a long and prolific career, in which Anger would continue to push boundaries and redefine the possibilities of experimental cinema.

A key figure in the counterculture movement of the 1960s, Anger became closely associated with the Church of Satan and its founder, Anton LaVey. Anger's interest in the occult led him to Thelema and Aleister Crowley, whose philosophy and symbolism would feature prominently in his films. His film “Inauguration of the Pleasure Dome” (1954) was inspired by the Thelemic mass and featured a cameo by Marjorie Cameron, a follower of Crowley and widow of rocket scientist and occultist Jack Parsons.

Kenneth Anger's “Magick Lantern Cycle” series of films, created between 1947 and 1981, is considered his most significant body of work. These films, including “Scorpio Rising” (1963) and “Lucifer Rising” (1972), explore themes of ritual, the occult, and the darker aspects of human nature. His work has been celebrated for its innovative editing techniques, use of music, and striking visual aesthetics.

In addition to his work in film, Anger has been involved in various other artistic projects. He is the author of the controversial and influential book “Hollywood Babylon” (1959), which exposes the scandals and secrets of Hollywood's Golden Age. Despite disputes over the book's accuracy, it has become a cult classic and a touchstone for those interested in the darker side of Tinseltown.

Throughout his career, Kenneth Anger has been a trailblazer in both the worlds of cinema and the occult, helping to break down barriers and redefine the limits of artistic expression. His daring vision and unique style have left an indelible mark on the history of film and popular culture.

Here is a comprehensive list of Kenneth Anger's films, presented in chronological order:

• Who Has Been Rocking My Dreamboat? (1941)
• Tinsel Tree (1942)
• Prisoner of Mars (1942)
• The Nest (1943)
• Drastic Demise (1945)
• Escape Episode (1946)
• Fireworks (1947)
• Puce Moment (1949)
• Rabbit's Moon (1950, released in 1972)
• Eaux d'Artifice (1953)
• Inauguration of the Pleasure Dome (1954)
• Scorpio Rising (1963)
• Kustom Kar Kommandos (1965)
• Invocation of My Demon Brother (1969)
• Lucifer Rising (1972)
• Rite of Venus (unreleased, 1973)
• Mouse Heaven (2004)
• I'll Be Watching You (2007)
• My Surfing Lucifer (2009)
• Foreplay (2009)
• Airship Pirate (2010)
• Elliott's Suicide (2013)

It is important to note that some of these films are short or experimental in nature, and their availability might vary. Additionally, some films may have alternate versions or re-edits released at different times.

The following list of online resources provides valuable information and insights into the life, works, and artistic vision of Kenneth Anger:

• Kenneth Anger - IMDb: The Internet Movie Database (IMDb) page for Kenneth Anger, which includes a comprehensive filmography, biographical information, and related news. Link: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000769/

• BFI Screenonline: Kenneth Anger: A profile of Kenneth Anger on the British Film Institute's Screenonline website, featuring an overview of his life and work, as well as analyses of his most significant films. Link: http://www.screenonline.org.uk/people/id/531078/index.html

• UbuWeb Film: Kenneth Anger: UbuWeb's film section dedicated to Kenneth Anger, which offers a collection of his films available for online viewing. Link: http://ubu.com/film/anger.html

• The Magick Lantern Cycle: An informative article on the Dangerous Minds website, providing an in-depth exploration of Kenneth Anger's Magick Lantern Cycle, a series of short films deeply influenced by Thelema and the occult. Link: https://dangerousminds.net/comments/the_magick_lantern_cycle_the_films_of_kenneth_anger

• Kenneth Anger Facebook Page: The official Facebook page for Kenneth Anger, featuring news, updates, and multimedia content related to his work and artistic vision. KennethAngerOfficial

• “Kenneth Anger: The Man We Want to Hang” (2002): A documentary film directed by Anger's friend and fellow filmmaker, Elio Gelmini, which offers a rare glimpse into the life and work of the enigmatic artist. Link: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0330785/

• “Anger Me” (2006): A documentary by Elio Gelmini that focuses on the life and career of Kenneth Anger, featuring interviews with the filmmaker himself.

Link: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0451077/

These resources offer a valuable starting point for delving into the world of Kenneth Anger, his groundbreaking films, and his connections to the Western esoteric tradition. However, it is worth noting that his works are often open to multiple interpretations and may require a discerning eye and an appreciation for artistic experimentation.