Westworld (1973) - dir. Michael Crichton [on CoS Video List]

There are plenty of movies that include some form or another of artificial human companions and total environments (and if you don't know what those things have to do with Satanism, you need to leave this website immediately and do some research). But Westworld, written and directed by Michael Crichton of "Jurassic Park" fame, is all about these ideas being applied to the fullest with the precise intention of maximizing human pleasure.

Everybody's raving about Delos, a company that provides vacation packages in the form of total environments. For one thousand dollars a day, you can fly out to one of their three isolated microcosms: Roman World, Medieval World, and Westworld. As the names imply, one is set up as an ancient Greco-Roman city where lust and wine are in continuous supply, the second is a world of glorious knights and castles, and the other is set up like the American ol' west. Behind the scenes is a large group of technicians who secretly monitor the towns, moving out at night to make any necessary repairs.

Each world includes fully interactive human androids, indistinguishable from humans except for the tubular finger joints. They are not only dressed appropriately, but programmed with the expected knowledge, mindset, and speech of somebody living in that environment's reflected period. Guests are required to dress the part too. (On a side note, I think this is where Disney World fails in its TE presentation: the illusion is shattered when you look around and see the guests in their baseball caps and fanny packs.)

John (James Brolin) has been to Westworld before and convinces his shy friend Peter (Richard Benjamin) to join him on his next trip. During their stay, they enjoy shooting dirty varmint androids such as the one played by Yul Brynner (all guns are specially made to work on androids but not real humans), get arrested by a guest who's happily playing the role of sheriff, have fun breaking out of the prison, and indulge in other cowboy fantasies. But the most Satanic dialogue in the film appears in a visit to Westworld's local brothel. Peter comes back from having fooled around with one of the women, and John asks how it was. Peter admits that it was sensational, yet he honestly wasn't sure whether the woman was an android or a human. John then asks, "Does it matter?"

Unfortunately, Westworld ends up following the man vs. machine theme, sadly common to virtually all AHC/TE stories. In other words, it's takes on the same old story of something in the machinery going haywire, and as a result the humans ending up being victims of their own brutally indifferent creation. I suppose it's a testament to the herd's fear of being one of the many quite expendable humans that could be better replaced by an android. Perhaps it's just the fear of seeing taboos debunked, even in a hypothetical example. However, the first hour of the movie is a good enough reason to put Westworld on the Satanic recommendation list, because of its pleasurably painted picture of Pentagonal Revisionism manifested.

[- Bill M.]

The Wicker Man (1973) - dir. Robin Hardy [on CoS Video List]

"I think I could turn and live with animals," says the dignified Lord Summerisle (Christopher Lee). "They are so placid and self-contained. They do not lie awake in the dark and weep for their sins. They do not make me sick discussing their duty to God. Not one of them kneels to another or to his own kind that lived thousands of years ago."

On a small island off the coast of Scotland, police sergeant Neil Howie (Edward Woodward) arrives to investigate the case of a missing child. Yet the citizens of the innocent-looking town act oblivious or at best silent on the issue. The already bitter Sergeant Howie only gets more frustrated, and investigates harder.

But all is not as it seems on this little island, governed by Lord Summerisle. Evidence starts to make Sergeant Howie suspect murder. And the flesh-exposing rites, alluring music, and indulgent night activities of the townsfolk make him all the more angered. Perhaps it's just his paranoia projected onto a happy little innocent island. Or is it? Like Rosemary's Baby, The Wicker Man has a very long build-up that unfolds and twists to a climatic ending.

One of the many refreshing aspects of this film is the portrayal of Sergeant Howie as a Christian in every sense of the word: uptight, myopic, totalitarian, indulgence-hating, and quite frankly an all-around miserable asshole. Although the viewers are not made out to like him, he's still the main character as the story is shown exclusively through his interactions. Yet in a strange way it all works in this film. In any case, it's his religiously ethnocentric mindset which ultimately decides his unfortunate fate. Likewise we see the Pagans as life-loving folks, unlike the new breed of miserable crystal-wielding feminists who've since taken up that title.

The Wicker Man is one of those films that is hard to describe without giving everything away. It's also a film you can watch multiple times, picking up new things in subsequent viewings. Satanists are highly encouraged to watch the special director's cut version on DVD, as the originally cut scenes mostly serve to creatively reinforce the Pagan/Christian polarity which, along with the already existing scenery, hypnotic music and other aesthetics, gives the movie a Satanic appeal.

[- Bill M.]

Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory (1971) - dir. Mel Stuart [on CoS Video List]

The iconoclast has created his own kingdom according to his precise design, at the same time providing a wonderful world of reality / fantasy crossover for children of all ages. This movie is indeed Satanic, & let me explain why. Each participant harbors rather rotten personality traits, either insensitivity towards others, Letharginator neurosis, obnoxiousness, excessive gluttony, and/or disobedience. Total self-uncontrol. And the parents were spineless. Basically, they are all brats -- except for one. The chosen one. He who demonstrates deportment & consideration.

I am reminded of Dr. LaVey's sign on the bookshelf in the purple parlour, "Do not remove books from shelves. Anyone caught removing books from shelves will have their hands amputated." This is in fact, the extremely similar way in which Mr. Wonka operates his factory. Unfortunately for them, they did not bother to really read the disclaimer at the beginning of the tour. The question is, would it have mattered anyway?

For about the first 45 minutes or so, we become acquainted with the characters' predispositions towards the aforementioned traits. There's Veruca Salt, an insufferable brat devoid of manners. There's a TV-loving cowboy kid whose entire existence seems to be centered around the boob-tube. There's a gum-chewing girl who does not listen to advice when given, & then there's a German boy who can't get enough food -- whatever it is. In every case, they exhibit irresponsible & just annoying tendencies that need to be abated.

Every one of these, after being tested, meets with an appropriate & poetic fate, all commandeered by the resident God, Willy Wonka. The infamous "Golden Ticket," the instrument of their greed, brought them to The Chocolate Factory, but this is natural, for what candy-loving child can resist a trek into the wonderful world of Wonka? Indeed, all of the events leading up to the gates seemed planned. Within the hallowed walls of that chocomantium, there are Total Environments at every turn, each with their respective rides & attractions. Mr. Wonka makes a wonderful host; animated & witty. We get to see the "Oompa Loompas" from "Oompaland", & become familiar with their lore -- it seems that kind Mr. Wonka took them in because they were being preyed upon by "Pernicious Knids" & other marvelous creatures from Oompaland. The Oompa Loompas provide moralistically compelling questions to the viewer with delightful little dances & songs. Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory is a semi-musical & comical production, providing interesting insights & alternative techniques of moral instruction.

[- Draconis Blackthorne]