Career Timeline of Kenneth Anger: Major Achievements and Milestones

How Kenneth Anger built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Kenneth Anger was an influential American experimental filmmaker known for his short films, particularly the "Magick Lantern Cycle." His work blends surrealism, homoeroticism, and occult themes, often incorporating elements of erotica, documentary, and psychodrama. As one of America's first openly gay filmmakers, Anger's films challenged social norms and explored sexuality before its widespread acceptance. His fascination with Aleister Crowley and Thelema deeply influenced his cinematic style and subject matter.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Controversies & Scandals

1937: First Film

In 1937, Kenneth Anger started working on films. That year he created his first short film, marking the beginning of his career as a filmmaker.

1937: Ferdinand the Bull

In 1937, at age ten, Anger created his first film, "Ferdinand the Bull", using leftover 16mm film from family vacations.

1941: Who Has Been Rocking My Dreamboat

In 1941, Anger created "Who Has Been Rocking My Dreamboat," which he often called his first proper film, at the age of 14.

1947: Fireworks Created

In 1947, Kenneth Anger created the short film "Fireworks", dealing with his sexuality.

1948: Fireworks Exhibited Publicly

In 1948, the film "Fireworks" was exhibited publicly, marking a significant moment in Anger's career and his exploration of controversial themes.

1949: Puce Women and The Love That Whirls

In 1949, Anger started work on "Puce Women" and directed "The Love That Whirls", but the latter was destroyed due to its obscene content.

1949: Fireworks Shown at Festival du Film Maudit

In 1949, Fireworks was shown at Festival du Film Maudit in Biarritz.

1953: Eaux d'Artifice

In 1953, Anger produced the short film "Eaux d'Artifice," inspired by the European avant-garde scene, marking a shift in his artistic direction.

1954: Inauguration of the Pleasure Dome Created

In 1954, Anger created "Inauguration of the Pleasure Dome," a surrealist film featuring Thelemite themes.

1955: Filming Thelema Abbey documentary

In 1955, Kenneth Anger and Alfred Kinsey traveled to Cefalù, Sicily, to film a documentary titled Thelema Abbey. The documentary, which was made for British television, documented Anger restoring wall paintings and performing Crowleyan rituals at the Abbey of Thelema.

1958: Inauguration of the Pleasure Dome Screened

In 1958, Anger exhibited "Inauguration of the Pleasure Dome" at various European film festivals and Expo 58, gaining recognition.

1961: Return to the U.S. and Work on Scorpio Rising

In 1961, Kenneth Anger returned to the U.S. and began working on Scorpio Rising, a film exploring the biker subculture with controversial visuals and a soundtrack of popular 1960s songs.

1964: Scorpio Rising

In 1964, Anger released "Scorpio Rising", a film known for its blending of surrealism and homoeroticism.

1965: Kustom Kar Kommandos and Hollywood Babylon

In 1965, Anger released "Kustom Kar Kommandos" and the gossip book "Hollywood Babylon". The latter became infamous for its sensational claims.

1966: Move to the William Westerfeld House and planning Lucifer Rising

In 1966, Kenneth Anger moved into the William Westerfeld House in San Francisco and began planning his film Lucifer Rising, based on Thelemite beliefs. He searched for someone to play Lucifer and met Bobby Beausoleil.

1966: Release of Sacred Mushroom Edition of Inauguration of the Pleasure Dome

In 1966, Kenneth Anger released the "Sacred Mushroom Edition" of Inauguration of the Pleasure Dome, screened to people taking LSD to enhance their sensory experience. Also in 1966, Anger became well known in the American underground scene.

1967: Burning Previous Works

In 1967, Anger burned much of his previous film work, marking a significant moment in his artistic development.

1969: Invocation of My Demon Brother

In 1969, Anger involved countercultural figures in "Invocation of My Demon Brother", exploring Thelema-themed works.

1970: Rabbit's Moon Completed

In 1970, Anger retrieved footage and finally completed and released the film Rabbit's Moon.

1971: Rabbit's Moon Release

In 1971, Kenneth Anger released the short film "Rabbit's Moon", further exploring avant-garde themes.

1972: Lucifer Rising

In 1972, Anger produced "Lucifer Rising", continuing his exploration of occult themes.

1972: Release of Rabbit's Moon

In 1972, Kenneth Anger released the footage he had filmed for Rabbit's Moon in the 1950s.

1979: Re-release of Rabbit's Moon and Puce Moment

In 1979, Kenneth Anger re-released a shorter version of Rabbit's Moon and added a new soundtrack to Puce Moment before rereleasing it.

1980: Fireworks Adapted

In 1980, Kenneth Anger continuously altered and adapted the film Fireworks.

1981: Release of Lucifer Rising

In 1981, Kenneth Anger released Lucifer Rising, a 30-minute film based on Thelemite concepts, featuring occult symbolism and starring Miriam Gibril, Donald Cammell, Marianne Faithfull, and Leslie Huggins.

1984: Hollywood Babylon II

In 1984, Anger focused on "Hollywood Babylon II" after struggling to produce a sequel to Lucifer Rising.

1986: Fireworks on VHS

In 1986, Fireworks was distributed on VHS.

1986: Video Rights Sold

In 1986, Kenneth Anger sold the video rights to his films, allowing them to be released on VHS and gain greater publicity.

1993: Visit to Sydney

In 1993, Kenneth Anger visited Sydney, lectured at a season of his films at the Australian Film Institute Cinema, and worked on a final treatment for a feature film about Rosaleen Norton.