Kenneth Anger

Kenneth Anger, born Kenneth Wilbur Anglemeyer on February 3, 1927, was a pioneering figure in American underground cinema, whose contributions as a filmmaker, actor, and author have left an indelible mark on the film industry. Over his career, which began in 1937, Anger produced nearly forty short films, nine of which are collectively known as the "Magick Lantern Cycle." This body of work has solidified his status as a seminal independent filmmaker, renowned for blending surrealism, homoerotic themes, and occult elements.

Anger's films, including the provocative *Fireworks* (1947) and *Scorpio Rising* (1964), challenged societal norms at a time when homosexuality was criminalized in the United States. His candid exploration of gay identity within his art was groundbreaking and has made him a pivotal figure in the visibility of LGBTQ+ culture in American cinema. His fascination with the occult, influenced by the infamous Aleister Crowley and his philosophy of Thelema, is evident in works like *Inauguration of the Pleasure Dome* (1954) and *Lucifer Rising* (1972).

Recognized as an inspiration by filmmakers such as Martin Scorsese and David Lynch, Anger's innovative techniques have significantly impacted music videos and contemporary art. His writings, including the provocative *Hollywood Babylon* (1959) and its sequel, unveiled the hidden scandals of Hollywood. Anger passed away on May 11, 2023, leaving behind a legacy that continues to resonate in the realms of film and culture.