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lashtal |
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Post subject:
Posted: May 28, 2008 - 01:01 PM
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A long review from UK TV's Channel 4 concludes:
Let's call it what it is: a vanity project, one naturally slathered with Iron Maiden hits, unsubtly crowbarred into the action. "Your time will come!" says a prophet of doom at one point, immediately followed by 'Maiden's 'Wicker Man' lyric: "Your time will come, your time will come!" If Jimmy Page managed to alchemise his Crowley fixation into gold, lesser rockers, it seems, can produce only handfuls of tin.
http://www.channel4.com/film/reviews/film.jsp?id=166568 |
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Post subject:
Posted: May 28, 2008 - 04:37 PM
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lashtal |
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Post subject:
Posted: May 29, 2008 - 08:45 PM
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This from the people behind the movie:
On general release tomorrow!
Come and see Chemical Wedding this weekend!
The film finally opens in the UK only on 30th May in the following cinemas:
Apollo West End (lower Regent St) 0871 220 6000
Showcase Cinemas:
Newham
Reading
Peterborough
Birmingham
Derby
Dudley
Coventry
Nottingham
Walsall
Bristol
Cardiff
Leeds
Liverpool
Manchester
Teeside
Glasgow East
Paisley
For further information check out the Showcase cinemas website http://www.showcasecinemas.co.uk or call to book tickets on 0871 220 1000 |
_________________ Paul
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sethur666 |
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Post subject:
Posted: May 30, 2008 - 09:02 AM
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| The Metro, a free morning newspaper distributed in most British cities, has given it one star. I don't think they do zero stars. |
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lashtal |
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Post subject:
Posted: May 30, 2008 - 10:54 AM
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sethur666 wrote: › The Metro, a free morning newspaper distributed in most British cities, has given it one star. I don't think they do zero stars.
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sethur666 |
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Post subject:
Posted: May 30, 2008 - 11:37 AM
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Mind you, they describe Crowley and a 1930s drug and sex crazed Satanist. I don't get it, why do so many people outside Thelema associate Crowley so much with the 1930s, in many ways his least fertile decade? (prepares for accounts of Crowley's achievements in the 1930s).
Is it because it was in this period he became more and more dependent on collusion with the press (allegedly)? |
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sethur666 |
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Post subject:
Posted: May 30, 2008 - 01:27 PM
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The Guardian, one star. Crowley? Devil worshipper, Satanist. Ho hum.
Steve W |
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lashtal |
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Post subject:
Posted: May 30, 2008 - 02:03 PM
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ianrons |
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Post subject:
Posted: May 30, 2008 - 02:49 PM
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I think what's coming through here is that journalists are now expected to have read at least one biography, since they now feel able to give a small amount of detail in order to label him "passé" (but AC still isn't so widely read that he can be regarded as serious in any way).
Previously (before last year, I suppose), hacks were expected merely to rely on recycled media reports. At least this is my impression.
I suspect the "boring", "passé" interpretation will now persist, since it saves the denizens of the Street of Shame from the embarrassment of being seen reading such an unfashionable author first-hand, but they will still be able to show off at dinner parties by regaling their fellow troughers with tales of AC's high jinks. Move over Gauss -- this is the Law of Least Journalistic Effort. |
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BlueKephra |
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Post subject:
Posted: May 30, 2008 - 02:57 PM
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sethur666 |
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Post subject:
Posted: May 30, 2008 - 03:06 PM
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So Crowley was a Victorian Edwardian magician of the 1930s. That's what I call magic! But how sad it is when one of the least arguable descriptions - "Notorious occult guru" - is from the Sun.
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lashtal |
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Post subject:
Posted: May 30, 2008 - 03:24 PM
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sethur666 wrote: › But how sad it is when one of the least arguable descriptions - "Notorious occult guru" - is from the Sun.
All the epithets I quoted are at least moderately accurate in some sense. That's the puzzle and fascination of the man. |
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Post subject:
Posted: Jun 01, 2008 - 01:20 AM
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From The Observer...
Stylistically, it resembles a demented version of those Hammer Studios occult horror flicks based on black magic novels by Dennis Wheatley, a writer much influenced, in his fiction at least, by Crowley's personality and works. There are references to Einstein, L Ron Hubbard, Stephen Hawking, black holes, alchemy, quantum physics, along with much copulation, masturbation, urination, decapitation and mortification.
It's unintentionally funny and indifferently acted, except by Simon Callow, who gives a barnstorming performance that seems to be an attempt to rival Donald Wolfit and Henry Irving in The Bells. But it's never boring. |
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Posted: Jun 01, 2008 - 01:59 AM
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| Only 5 people were in the cinema including me and aisha. Probably not going to be a blockbuster, really funny and enjoyable! I reckon it will become a 'cult classic' like the devil rides out (similar ending), or the wicker man. |
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lashtal |
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Post subject:
Posted: Jun 01, 2008 - 02:03 AM
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For no reason whatsoever, I find myself gratified that you enjoyed the movie.
I agree with your "cult classic" remark... |
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Post subject:
Posted: Jun 01, 2008 - 09:57 AM
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| Of course, Plan 9 from Outer Space is a cult classic too. Becoming one isn't necessarily good. |
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lashtal |
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Post subject:
Posted: Jun 01, 2008 - 11:40 AM
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Dr Dave Evans has published a review of the film on Plutonica from the perspective of an "occult historian": "I’ve written two books about AC and presented academic papers about him, so I reckon I know a little…"
He doesn't like it.
http://plutonica.net/2008/05/31/film-re ... -spoilers/ |
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Camlion |
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Posted: Jun 01, 2008 - 08:20 PM
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Well, if it simply opens the door for future cinematic efforts, I suppose that is something. I'm sure that I will buy the DVD, watch it, and stick it on the shelf with the stuff recorded from television.
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Post subject:
Posted: Jun 01, 2008 - 09:10 PM
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Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law.
I can see how an Historian on Crowley and Magick might be a tad upset, --if they go see the picture for any other reasons than being simply entertained. Better that they give the film a bad review because they regard AC higly, than giving the thumbs down just because they hate AC and anything having to do with the Occult, Thelema , or his name.
When I enter the theater, or see a DVD or video, I do not commence my viewing--- as any kind of expert, critic, or nit picker,--but only to enjoy the movie.
I was not upset at all when early monster movies referred to the creature itself as "Frankenstein" and not "The Monster". It did not trouble me at all, that Erik the Phantom was "born" looking like he did in the novel itself, but in most of the films based on that book he is that way as a result of having acid thrown in his face etc.
If someone makes a movie about WWII and cannot find the correct kind of Sherman tank used in the African Theatre of operations--and has to make do with the version that came out towards the very end of the war using an entirely different kind of suspension system, I am not going to make a big too-do over it; --not even if the Officer in command says "bring up the Shermans" and a company of Pershings roll out!
I will even overlook the abundance of errors found in most Occult thrillers!
Is one going to be so upset by what one sees as to let it interfere with the purpose of just having fun? Must a movie absolutely agree with what we know or think we know concerning the subject matter? In a serious documentary, yes----but a serious documentary is a far different thing than something that is supposed to simply entertain and amuse.
Even a movie that has as it's purpose the outright vilification of something we cherish can be enjoyable and funny if looked at from an Illuminated perspective!
Notice also how in The United States, and possibly elseware-- there seems to be a tendency to glorify criminals in film, when in reality they are most often on the whole no more than selfish thugs; how less than wholesome figures from popular myth are celebrated in films as though they were real -- in any tense--past or present.
It is no surprise then, that a true Hero and champion for human freedom so misunderstood as AC ----is, was, and will be portrayed by the popular press and film as someone bad. This is the Irony of Life! We must live with it.
It is my will only to be entertained when watching moving picture shows of any kind, and it will be the same for this one---no matter how much I might or might not know about AC and Thelema.
People have to recollect that many movies are usually unique "adaptations" of books, or whatever else they are based on, and even if those things they were derived from really happened a lot of truth can be lost in the translation.
From what has been written, someone could make a Crowley movie that is very accurate concerning AC, and Thelema---yet even then, it would only be a glimpse of the way things really were and are. As far as movies go, it is possible that an accurate and non upsetting version of things might oddly miss the essential suchness of "how it really was"---whereas a totally flawed and upsetting take on things might actually capture the "real flavor" of a subject or an era..
Perhaps the big story here, is that the movie stands as a testament to a man called Dickinson manifesting his will-- in spite of the obstacles presented to him. It seems from what I've gathered, that even with a lot of money, he still had much trouble trying to see this particular manifestation of his will come to life as a tangible reality..
So, if any of you are or will be upset by this Crowley "character" in the movie and would seek to do The Prophet of the New Aeon justice on film, get to it! Now is the time to write your screen play!
Strike whilst the iron's hot!
I have not seen the movie yet; when I eventually do, my review will most likely consist of a one word either way! If it does not fail to amuse and entertain me I will give it a Yes: if it does not meet these criteria I will give it a No. What I saw on the trailer met the criteria I fancy in a movie--amusement and entertainment value. I think Dickinson set out to make an entertaining movie and I think he most likely succeeded.
If AC is who he said he was---this movie or any other movie cannot hurt him or Thelema.
All in all, the move is a good thing for those who can forget about who or what they are, and just enjoy a movie for what it is!
Love is the law, love under will. |
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nemo418 |
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Post subject: plan 9
Posted: Jun 02, 2008 - 03:38 AM
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| I like plan 9 from outerspace as well, Boris, bald headed bloke, goth type woman. Beware phlogiston abuse! |
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Equinoxstudios |
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Post subject:
Posted: Jun 03, 2008 - 04:35 PM
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Post subject:
Posted: Jun 03, 2008 - 05:42 PM
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Ivor,
I'm beginning to wonder if your dislike of the movie is masking something perhaps a little more personal? You appeared to be involved in the early promotion of the movie - pre-release - but since then you've published your "review" in a number of places almost as if you're on some sort of crusade. I note you've also placed the trailer on YouTube, perhaps as some sort of honey trap.
You're certainly not alone in disliking the movie but I do think it would be appropriate for you to declare any personal interest. It is, after all, only a piece of humorous froth and your obsession with it is beginning to look a little odd. Did "Equinox Studios", I wonder, have some sort of commercial interest? Of course, there's no reason why you shouldn't express your own opinions far and wide: I'd just prefer it if you didn't use LAShTAL.COM to promote any personal issues you might have with the film makers... |
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