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El Topo (1970)

El Topo (1970) movie poster

El Topo (English translation: The Mole) is a 1970 American-Mexican western film written and directed by and starring Alejandro Jodorowsky. Characterized by its bizarre characters and occurrences, use of maimed and dwarf performers, and heavy doses of Christian symbolism and Eastern philosophy, the film is about the eponymous character – a violent, black-clad gunfighter – and his quest for enlightenment.
Noteworthy figures said to be fans of the film include directors David Lynch, Russell Roberts and Samuel Fuller; video game writer and director Suda 51; actors Peter Fonda and Dennis Hopper; comedians The Mighty Boosh and Patton Oswalt; and performers Bob Dylan, Roger Waters, Marilyn Manson, Jarvis Cocker.

A mysterious black-clad gunfighter wanders a mystical Western landscape encountering multiple bizarre characters.

freddy's score of 20-40 boooooring

F: The midnight movie scene seemed like a cool thing, back then, people had something really unique going on, and probably were having a really good time. It seems like Jodorowski ignited the whole thing in the 70's with this movie. John Lennon approved it. Let's go! Watch the interview with Jodorowsky about the movie, below. He sounds like an interesting guy.

Marilyn really let herself go...

F: My couch partner and I tried to find some meaning to what was happening throughout the movie. We couldn't come up with any personal interpretation; the symbol dictionary was way too far away, and Jodorowski is just crazy. She's probably watching the DVD again today. Didn't it have a play option with Jorodowosky's commentary?

bloody 70's

F: Oh, look, what a nice umbrella! Remember that I'm not a perv. I'm just giving what the interwebs people and 70's Jodorowski want. I didn't like El Topo; there was too much bunny killing and that makes me very sad. (Repeat last sentence with Jodorowsky's accent). I will try to watch this some other time, on acid, perhaps. There are so many other boring movies left to be seen!
picture of a nice umbrella




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