Internationally recognised art and literary critic, writer and cultural producer. Published in ELLE, Glamour, Esquire and Cosmopolitan; member of the Union of Writers.
Kenneth Anger was a visionary filmmaker who defied conventions and challenged norms. He was a queer icon, an occult enthusiast, and a pop culture aficionado. He was also a controversial figure, who never shied away from expressing his views and opinions. He died this month at the age of ninety-six, leaving behind a legacy of groundbreaking and influential films.
A Life of Contradictions
Anger was born in 1927 in California, to a middle-class Presbyterian family. He renounced Christianity at the age of eight, when he refused to attend Sunday school and embraced paganism instead. He was fascinated by cinema from an early age, and started making his own films with his family’s 16mm camera when he was only ten. He later claimed that he had destroyed his first films, as he considered them immature and amateurish.
Anger became a legend in the film world, even though he never had a formal education or training in filmmaking. He was self-taught and self-funded, often relying on donations and grants to finance his projects. He was a pioneer of experimental cinema, creating avant-garde films that explored themes such as sexuality, violence, mythology, and spirituality. He was also a major influence on the underground film movement in North America and Europe, as well as on mainstream filmmakers like David Lynch and Martin Scorsese.
Anger announced his retirement from filmmaking in 1999, saying that he had lost interest in the medium and that he had nothing more to say. However, he continued to make films in the 21st century, producing 14 works between 2000 and 2013. He also revisited and re-edited some of his earlier films, adding new soundtracks and effects. He never stopped being creative and innovative, even in his old age.
A Queer Pioneer
Anger was one of the first filmmakers to openly depict homosexuality and queer identity in his films. He was also one of the first to use homoerotic imagery and symbolism, often drawing from ancient myths and occult traditions. He was not afraid to challenge the censorship and moral codes of his time, and to express his own sexuality and desires.
Some of his most famous films, such as Fireworks (1947), Scorpio Rising (1963), and Lucifer Rising (1972), feature gay characters, themes, and subcultures. They also combine elements of fantasy, horror, and comedy, creating a unique and captivating aesthetic. Anger’s films have been praised for their artistic merit, as well as for their political and cultural significance. They have inspired generations of queer filmmakers and activists, who have recognised Anger as a role model and a trailblazer.
A Pop Culture Lover
Anger was not only interested in the artistic and esoteric aspects of cinema, but also in the glamorous and scandalous side of Hollywood. He was an avid fan of celebrities, especially those from the golden age of cinema. He collected memorabilia and gossip, and wrote books and articles about the lives and secrets of the stars.
His most famous book, Hollywood Babylon (1959), is a sensational and controversial expose of the dark side of Hollywood. It reveals stories of murder, suicide, drug addiction, sex scandals, and corruption, involving some of the most famous actors and actresses of the time. The book was banned in the US until 1975, due to its graphic and libellous content. It has since become a cult classic, and a source of inspiration for many filmmakers and writers.
Anger also incorporated pop culture references and icons in his films, such as Elvis Presley, Marlon Brando, and Mick Jagger. He had a keen eye for style and fashion, and used costumes, props, and music to create a distinctive and dynamic atmosphere. He was also friends with many celebrities, such as Jean Cocteau, Anaïs Nin, Tennessee Williams, and Jimmy Page. He was a part of the cultural zeitgeist, and a witness to history.
A Legacy of Provocation
Kenneth Anger was a brilliant and contradictory filmmaker, who left an indelible mark on cinema and culture. He was a queer rebel, an experimental innovator, and a pop culture lover. He was also a provocateur, who never compromised his vision or his voice. He challenged the norms and expectations of his society, and inspired others to do the same. He was a true original, and a legend in his own right.
