Kenneth Anger

A provocative and visionary artist, Kenneth Anger defies convention as he weaves surrealism, homoeroticism, and occult mysticism into groundbreaking underground films, challenging societal norms and embracing the esoteric in pre-Stonewall America.

Born

1927

Died

2023

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Decades active

In short · Directed for nine decades — 34 credits.

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Biography

Kenneth Anger was an American underground experimental filmmaker, actor, and writer known for his surreal and often controversial short films. He began his career in 1937 and created nearly 40 works, nine of which make up the "Magick Lantern Cycle." His films combine surrealism with homoeroticism and occult themes, drawing from elements of erotica, documentary, psychodrama, and spectacle. Anger is considered one of America's first openly gay filmmakers, with several of his works released before homosexuality was legalized in the United States. He was deeply influenced by the English occultist Aleister Crowley and followed Thelema, the esoteric religion Crowley founded.

Filmography · 20 of 20

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