The holy mountain

The Holy Mountain (Spanish: La montaña sagrada) is a 1973 Mexican surreal film that holds a significant place in the realm of avant-garde cinema. Directed, written, produced, co-scored, co-edited, and starring Alejandro Jodorowsky, the film presents a mind-bending and allegorical journey that explores themes of spirituality, mysticism, and the search for enlightenment. 

Set in an ambiguous and fantastical world, The Holy Mountain follows the journey of a Christ-like figure named The Thief, played by Horacio Salinas, who encounters a powerful alchemist portrayed by Alejandro Jodorowsky himself. The alchemist guides The Thief on a quest to ascend The Holy Mountain, a symbolic representation of self-realization and divine enlightenment. Along the way, they encounter a group of individuals representing the planets of the zodiac, each of whom possesses their own obsessions and desires.

The film's narrative unfolds through a series of visually stunning and often shocking sequences, filled with surreal imagery, religious symbolism, and provocative metaphors. Jodorowsky's unique directorial style combines a multitude of artistic elements, including esoteric symbolism, psychoanalysis, and elements borrowed from various spiritual and philosophical traditions. Through its mesmerizing and sometimes disturbing visuals, The Holy Mountain challenges conventional storytelling, inviting viewers to question their own perceptions of reality and explore the depths of the human psyche.

The Holy Mountain remains a polarizing and thought-provoking piece of cinema, celebrated for its audacity and originality. Its intricate blend of religious, mystical, and societal themes, combined with its vivid visual aesthetics, has established it as a cult classic and a source of inspiration for many filmmakers and artists. Jodorowsky's magnum opus continues to captivate audiences with its bold exploration of the human condition and its unapologetic disregard for traditional cinematic norms.