The Master Is Waiting — Dance Of Reality And Endless Poetry Reviewed
by Tito W. James
My first exposure to Alejandro Jodorowsky was in the documentary, Jodorowsky’s Dune. After listening to a conversation between Jodorowsky and Darren Aronofsky, I felt compelled to watch his films, Dance of Reality and Endless Poetry. These two films are part of a planned trilogy which serves as an autobiography told through the prism of magical realism.
I had my doubts as to whether I could stomach Jodorowsky’s films because they are known for being long, weird, and plotless. However, Dance of Reality and Endless Poetry are far from being boring.
Both films are rich with creative props, set design, and colorful characters. There’s also plenty of nudity and taboo imagery that you won’t see in mainstream Hollywood films. And yet, all of the taboo subjects are conveying primal emotions that feel authentic to the characters and really resonated with me.
Tonally these films have more in common with theater and documentary films than a Hollywood produced drama or fantasy. The performances of the characters don’t feel like they’re acting, but instead feel like capturing the character in the heat of the moment.
Jodorowsky’s imagination has been the root source of contemporary SciFi, unbeknownst to most audiences. As far thinking as Jodorowsky has been in SciFi, he may be ahead even further in the study of life and the healing power of art. As the saying goes “when the student is ready, the master appears.” The master is waiting; are you ready?