The film is based on The Ascent of Mt. Carmel by St. John of the Cross and Mt. Analogue by Rene Daumal. Interestingly enough, it was produced by Beatles manager Allen Keith, and John Lennon and Yoko put up money for the production. George Harrison was even supposed to play the role of The Thief, but was uncomfortable with the nudity. Unwilling to compromise, Jodorowsky forced Harrison to drop out of the project, something he later admitted regretting, as it would've opened the film up to a wider audience.

Often confrontational and easily mesmerizing, it's loaded with social commentary that veers between comedy and seriousness with clumsy grace, leading up to one of the funniest and most surprising finales (whether you love it or hate it) you'll ever see. It's a cinematic experience that I turn to again and again, and it's one whose meaning tends to change or become more enriched as I grow older with age.

Rating: 5 crucified goats out of 5.