Anger;Kenneth V2 Films of

Kenneth Anger, Volume Two gathers together Kenneth Anger's work during his most influential period. "Scorpio Rising" is the standout, a homoerotic (daring by the standards of the day)semi-documentary (play the commentary) of gay bikers in Coney Island which through use of montage and then current pop songs, some sacreligious elements (a dated religious film is spliced in) and film footage of Hollywood movies (Marlon Brando in the "Wild One", James Dean)creates an avant masterwork, underground before the genre became tedious. Influential on John Waters Gus Van Sant but surprisingly an admitted influence on Martin Scorcese and many other mainstream film makers (the use of the song "Blue Velvet" in an out of context fashion may have been lifted by a certain film maker) and the use of pop songs in an ironic context was groundbreaking. The other films are less important ("Kustom Kar Kommandos" is a film fragment never completed, "Invocation of My Demon Brother" is dated (Mick Jagger unsuccesfully trying out the Moog, soundtrack, the appearence of Anton Levay), "Rabbit's Moon" is a shortened version of the far better version available on Volume I (which had a far more appropriate soundtrack) and "Lucifer Rising" has its moments and nice imagery but no more (the new film on Aleister Crowley "The Man We Want to Hang" is an interesting bonus but no surprise). So for overall content I'd give this 4 stars but "Scorpio Rising", plus the remastering of the films and soundtracks and the commentary take this up one full star and make this a neccessary purchase for all interested in film history.

The Films of Kenneth Anger - Vol. 2 is another lovingly prepared DVD treasure from San Francisco based Fantoma Films. Superb restoration from high definition masters on all 5 classic films, plus a bonus short. Commentaries by Kenneth Anger himself are informative and tell us the little secrets that we want to know. The 48 page illustrated booklet is another well thought out piece. Scorpio Rising, Kustom Kar Kommandos, Invocation Of My Demon Brother, Rabbit's Moon and the long awaited Lucifer Rising have never looked or sounded so good. Buy this one and treasure it.

Depending on whom you ask, the name "Kenneth Anger" conjures up any number of reactions. The author of the notorious "Hollywood Babylon". A devoted disciple of Aleister Crowley. A man who counts Dennis Hopper, Jimmy Page and former Manson family associate Bobby BeauSoleil amongst his friends. A provocative and influential film director. "Kenneth who!?" This collection covers the latter part (1964-2002) of the underground raconteur's astounding, nearly 60-year long career in avant-garde filmmaking. You may not know the name, but you've likely felt the influence. Watch 1964's legendary short "Scorpio Rising" back to back with Martin Scorcese's "Mean Streets" (just for starters) and you'll see what I'm talking about. Fantoma's handsome presentation features a nice booklet with essays from admirers Scorcese, Guy Maddin and Gus Van Sant, as well as wonderfully droll and enlightening commentary from the 75 year old (but still sharp as a tack) Anger. Essential viewing.