Customer Reviews

Crowley

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(8)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

SHORT ATTENTION SPAN SUMMARY (SASS)

1. A school teacher offers himself to be used in a transformation project
2. He becomes Aleister Crowley
3. The school goes through a real crazy time
4. Things get freaky

Me being a Bruce Dickinson fan to the max, I decided to rent this film after being excited about it finally being released here. Originally released in the UK as "Chemical Wedding", The film is about Professor Haddo, a bumbling teacher who offers himself for a transformation experiment and soon becomes possessed by Aleister Crowley, which soon turns the school (and the town) upside down.

This film is a pretty cool movie, but incredibly flawed one. It was Co-written by Bruce Dickinson and directed by Julian Doyle, and stars Simon Callow as Haddo, turning in his best performance. We also get a brief glimpse into Crowley before his death (played by John Shrapnel), and a cameo by Brucey himself (as the guy with thick rimmed glasses at the beginning).

There are lots of flaws though. The film feels really rushed, I wanted to sort of know more about Crowley's life in general. There's a bit too much sex in this film- I know Crowley believed in sexual magic, but did we really need that sweaty orgy scene? They could have implied it instead of making it like 8 minutes long. And I'll admit the effects were a bit cheesy, but then again this IS a low budget movie.

Anyways, this film is worth it for the finale alone despite the cheesy special effects. This is a pretty good movie, but be aware... this is definitely not for everyone.

Full marks to Bruce Dickinson for making a feature film on Crowley, but it is tacky. Simon Callow puts in a brilliant performance as a character based on Crowley. There are some funny plays on words which Crowley readers will enjoy, like the ZX 93 computer, Haddo being a Crowley nom de plume, etc.

Crowley wasn't quite that beastly and although he loved to dress up in weird costumes, I don't think his tastes stretched to that appalling pink suit! I don't recall that ever peed of his audience or left excrement as a calling card.

All very amusing in a Hammer horror sort of way, but don't expect a serious portrayal of the Master Therion.

I first became aware of Aleister Crowley through press reports that Jimmy Page of led Zeppelin, had been studying the occultist. A period of reading the books of Dennis Wheatley brought a greater awareness of the occult where Crowley's name was frequently mentioned.

This film begins with the impending death of the man whilst being visited by two students from Cambridge University (UK). Just before he dies he curses one of the students and inflicts serious injury to him. Sixty years on, at Cambridge there is a conjunction between scientific experiments in a virtual world and the continuing tradition of the occult within the confines of the University. During that conjunction, one of the dons becomes possessed by the spirit of Crowley and graduall transforms into him

The transformation presages a series of events which appear to have been predestined by Crowley and his followers many years before. The purpose of the events gradually unfolds, as they tend to do in these matters, into the return of the fallen angel.

Simon Callow, the RSC actor excels in his portrayal of the restored Crowley. His energies reflect the larger than life personality of the occultist and the notorious acts for which he was infamous during his lifetime. This is a film of graphic sexuality and bodily functions. Although there is nudity and depictions of orgies and other sexual acts, they are not exhibited except in their role as part of the magickal power. The acts are more of the means by which spells are enacted, a transference of the power of the body into other powerful forms.

Many people will find this film objectionable for a variety of reasons, the subject of the occult or satanic worship, the sexual nature and use of profanities, the rejection of christian sensibilities or for many other reasons. Nevertheless it is a powerful depiction of the life of Crowley itself. Ultimately, in the final scenes of the film, very reminiscent of the previous fim, The Devil Rides Out, the world is restored to order.

Given the difficult subject matter, I think that this film has done a first rate job in enlightening the life and works of Aleister Crowley and is to be commended for it.

I am familiar with Crowley's work and many biographies, and so much of my pleasure watching this had to do with the inside jokes, puns, and knowing liberties taken with Crowley's work. I would agree this really has nothing to do with Crowley's understanding of Magick. I know for a fact it has NOTHING to do with what folks actually practice (for one thing, magic is magic, it's neither good nor evil). What the film does very well, however, is summarize all the popular press tabloid gossip about Crowley during his time and repackage it for ours, and for this I think the film is quite enjoyable (right down to the crucified cat!). Heck, I think the film is brilliant in this respect; it really captures the campy "fun" Crowley himself had at the journalist's expense. Now, Crowley himself was a pretty flawed human being and did some terrible things, but this film's character should not be in any way confused with the real, historical person. I think if followers of Crowley have a beef with this film, it would be the latter---but, ya know, I think most people who'd watch this are smart enough to know the difference. This film is simply a marvelous, fun, horror film romp that is in the tradition of Crowley's own public pranks. I would disagree with the reviewers, then, that the Beast wouldn't like this. I think he'd be giggling with perverse glee (if not gleet). I think, in other words, folks who have merely dabbled in Thelema, as well as those who are well versed, will enjoy this film. It has surprisingly good production values, and the over-the-top campy acting made me grin throughout. (The scarlet woman actress is simply delicious, too). I also like the fact it goes for atmosphere instead of gore. This is an "occult thriller" more in the tradition of Polanski's THE NINTH GATE than, say, SAW or similar schlock; in other words, it's more of a heady/intellectual thrill than a shock-fest, including plenty of British humor (a smoking turd on a professor's desk, for example). What I don't know is if this kind of film appeals to the die-hard horror fan who doesn't know a lot about Crowley---probably not. I've spent hours trying to make sense of Crowley's writings, and so the pay off for me was the laughter (the film pokes fun at Crowley as much as it celebrates his sense of humor). Hope this helps some of you decide if you should rent or buy! It's pretty campy, very British, and very loose with Crowley's actual writings. I bought it and loved it, and will be watching it again soon.

I found this movie on the shelves at Walmart for a mere $6 for it only to disappear the following day, whether that was because of the subject matter and graphic nature of the scenes, which American's would probably find offensive and abhorrent as a rule, or it sold out I can't say but 'Bedtime Stories' was right next to it and was restocked, perhaps the buyers confused with the new movie staring Harrison Ford of the same surname about the story of Patrick Crowley ;)

If your looking for a documentary on Aleister Crowley you are in entirely the wrong place as this has more reflection to the tabloid press of his day than to factual incidents which journalists managed to exaggerate and sensationalize almost as much as the movie does, but the movie does it in a much more tongue in cheek manner.

Followers of Master Therion and members of the Ordo Templi Orientis tend to take things much too seriously and as a result will have the same reaction as radical Christians would to the 'Life of Brian" that the movie is tantamount to sacrilege but from reading about his life and studying the things said about him by friends and enemies in the magickal world of those heady days I would imagine he is laughing out loud about it and congratulating Simon Callow for his excellent performance even down to his voice inflections which can be heard from the few recordings that remain of Crowley.

Entertainment wise this did certainly entertain me and my friends from start to finish with some raised eyebrows and shocked gasps from some of the more explicit parts in the movie (which would be unremarkable in Europe where adverts for hair shampoo show much more) and from viewing the box cover I immediately knew, even before reading the blurb, that this was not going to be the great man's life history.

Julian Doyle, the co-writer, certainly shows the flair he developed when editing Monty Python as the movie has that same taste to it of the absurd and ridiculous that Crowley often exhibited in order to shock the mundane Victorian world he had emerged from. I doubt this movie will ever be seen in mainstream movie houses in American as I can already hear those 'call to arms' by religious zealots about corrupting the youth and blasphemy, for England it reminded me of nothing more shocking than the picture postcards one used to buy at Blackpool beach of fart jokes and double entendres :)

For, what must be, a low budget movie it has first rate production value of multi-million dollar mainstream films and the scenes of and around Trinity where Crowley once trod are quite spectacular, almost like being back there.

I give this movie five stars for two reasons, it was throughly entertaining for the whole movie (how many big budget movies can say the same?) and it managed to defeat the censor's of moral conduct who seek to 'protect us' from exercising our own free 'Will'.

Live long and Prosper Crowley the Movie!!!!

P.S this is definitely not a movie to leave around for children to watch keep in the restricted section till they are 18 ;)

After watching and reviewing the movie "Crowley" written by legendary heavy metal singer Bruce Dickinson, and directed by Julian Doyle, I must say that it is quite an enjoyable movie.

To those who wish to enjoy a movie based on the life of Aliester Crowley, this is not it, albeit, the begining of the movie does focus on the 'The Beast'. What you will find is a 'possibilty' of what could happen should Aliester Crowley return during present time and here is where a fictious story is told based on a real man.

Unless you are famillar with Aliester, the movie contain's graphic image's ... for us who are famillar, these image's are somewhat neccessary as they are and were a part of the maddness behind the genius.

Murder, Mayhem, Sex Magick, and more. This is well written for a 'Factional'. A must-have for strong stomach die hard Iron Maiden fan's and Crowley follower's who are looking for a whimiscal movie knowing that it is not based entirely on the work's of the Occultist Aliester Crowley.

Though a low budget film, the true honour goes to Simon Callow who give's an absolutely brilliant portrayl of Aliester and the shy Proffessor Haddo, whom is possessed by Aliester. Simon's acting is profound and make's you forget it is low budget. For those who know Simon Callow from "Four Wedding's and A Funeral", you can experience the broad spectrum of this amazing actor. The twisting ending of this movie is excellent.

Low budget or not, the begining of Aliester Crowley's true return, via multimedia needed to begin, to which we should tip our hat's to Bruce Dickinson for pioneering a sorely needed glimpse at the engima of the man, Aliester Crowley. Though, ;) he may have already reincarnated.

Crowley
The Chemical Wedding

Crowley is shown as a murderer of young women.A person who likes to urinate and deficate in public.And generally, not being a nice person. Everyone who knew him in real life,said he personelly was not a easy person to get along with socialy. Crowley was a master magickian/philosopher,expert mountain climer,master chess player,world traveler and adventurer,prolific writer,poet.A user of drugs and sex(to expand his consciousness);a fact open to legitamate debate.But primarily he is known as the greatest occultist of the 20th century.And as leader of the Rosicrucian(not satanic)Thelemic Ordo Templi Orientis(O.T.O.) If Crowley was alive today.He would take great delight in sueing the pants off the producers of this tale of rubbish. "Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the law"...Love is the law,Love under will". Sincerely William Carney

"Crowley" is a fictional story very loosely based on the persona of Aleister Crowley. If you keep that in mind, you will likely find this to be a decent horror flick. Simon Callow gives a great performance. His transition from timid professor into the resurrected Crowley is impressive. Followers of Crowley are obviously going to find inconsistancies in the rituals and even the character of Crowley. I have only a recreational knowledge of Crowley and his works, so it was probably easier for mr to enjoy. My boyfriend, however, is quite versed on the subject and has read Crowley's writings. He enjoyed this movie as much as I did.

Most everyone gets offended when someone else pokes fun at something they feel is sacred or personal to them, but when we see something that might offend someone else but doesn't necessarily offend us personally, it's easier to detatch oneself from it. A friend of mine who is a dedicated Thelemite was absolutely outraged at this film, and to this day still goes ballistic any time it is brought up in conversation. However, he has no problem watching the "hilarious" animated series "South Park", whose creators have absolutely no shame, and will take on anyone and reduce them to a puddle of emasculated, blubbering goo. Do I think that my friend is a hypocrite? No. He's human. We all do it. I'm sure certain Catholics felt the same way about "Dogma" as some do about "Crowley". I loved what the other reviewer said about what Crowley himself would think about the movie, because I've pondered that myself ever since I first saw it. Take a breath, folks. It's "horror-fiction"! Now, obviously, those involved in making this movie could have done their homework better. And unfortunately, they reveal their ignorance more than once in the "making of" part of the special features. I also agree with the one who said that "Crowley" was done in the Style of Ken Russell. I wonder how many Shelley and Byron fanatics out there wanted to take Russel's head off after viewing "Gothic". That movie is outrageous! So is "Crowley", and it's every bit as well done as "Gothic" or "Dogma". Bottom line: If you're into the writings of Crowley and feel very emotional about them, stay away from this movie. Otherwise, do as the title of this review suggests.

This film has about as much to do with what Crowley was about as the tabloid newspapers in his own day who accused him of plotting to steal the towers of Notre Dame or sacrificing babies in Sicily. The least they could have done was to have the main character actually performing one of Crowley's own ritual invocations, almost all of which are in print or available on line. Instead they have him shouting gibberish and acting like a hopped-up Marquis de Sade with a Cambridge degree. If they thought they were enhancing some understanding of his belief in reincarnation by mixing things up with that techno-wizardry that is supposed to bring Crowley back to life, then they failed. It has nothing to do with reincarnation or what Crowley believed in at all. The Scarlet Woman routine with the redhaired 'journalist' doesn't come anywhere near to enlightening us on what the Babalon magick was meant for. Why didn't they follow some of the quite clear statements in Crowley's own magical workings? It's as if the moviemakers read some popular stuff on Crowley and thought hey that's cool and weird and hey what the heck we can work with this! Moreover the gibberish in the movie at "key" moments is not even audible since the background noise and music, as with all digitalized disks, overwhelms and distorts the dialogue. More evidence of a less human life through digital technology!
Forget this movie. Do yourself a favor and get a copy of Book Four instead.