Kenneth Anger was an American underground experimental filmmaker known for his short films, characterized by their surrealism, homoeroticism, and occult themes. His body of work, including the notable "Magick Lantern Cycle," often blended elements of various genres. Anger's open exploration of homosexuality in his films, even before its legalization in the U.S., marked him as a pioneer in LGBTQ+ representation in cinema. His fascination with occultism, particularly the works of Aleister Crowley, was another defining aspect of his films.
1918: Birth of Jean Anglemyer
Kenneth Anger's oldest sibling, Jean Anglemyer, was born in 1918.
1921: Birth of Robert "Bob" Anglemyer
Robert "Bob" Anglemyer, Kenneth Anger's older brother, was born in 1921.
February 3, 1927: Birth of Kenneth Anger
Kenneth Wilbur Anglemyer, later known as Kenneth Anger, was born on February 3, 1927 in Santa Monica, California.
1927: Childhood in Santa Monica
In 1927, Kenneth Anger spent his childhood in Santa Monica, influenced by his grandmother Bertha who introduced him to cinema.
1937: Anger Begins Filmmaking
At the young age of 10, Kenneth Anger embarked on his filmmaking journey, crafting his first short film, "Ferdinand the Bull," using leftover 16mm film.
1941: Creation of "Who Has Been Rocking My Dreamboat"
Anger created the film "Who Has Been Rocking My Dreamboat" in 1941, often considering it his first significant cinematic work.
1941: Early Use of Music in "Who Has Been Rocking My Dreamboat?"
Anger's experimental film "Who Has Been Rocking My Dreamboat?," created in 1941, showcased his innovative approach to incorporating music into his work, employing tracks by the Mills Brothers to accompany the visuals.
1944: Move to Hollywood and Formation of Creative Film Associates
Anger's family relocated to Hollywood in 1944. He went on to attend Beverly Hills High School, where he met Curtis Harrington. They co-founded Creative Film Associates to distribute experimental films.
1947: Release of "Fireworks"
Anger's controversial short film, "Fireworks", exploring homoeroticism, was released in 1947, leading to legal challenges and marking a significant moment in his career.
1947: Release of "Fireworks" and Exploration of Homoeroticism
Anger's groundbreaking film "Fireworks," released in 1947, marked an early exploration of homoeroticism in cinema, drawing inspiration from his own experiences. The film's depiction of navy officers, suggestive imagery, and the use of white fluid, often interpreted as semen, sparked controversy and established Anger as a provocative filmmaker.
1947: Anger Creates "Fireworks"
In 1947, inspired by other gay avant-garde filmmakers, Anger produced "Fireworks," a short film exploring his sexuality.
1947: Not applicable
Not applicable
1948: Public Exhibition of "Fireworks"
Anger's groundbreaking and controversial film "Fireworks" was first shown publicly in 1948.
1949: Collaboration with Alfred Kinsey and New Film Projects
In 1949, Kenneth Anger befriended sexologist Alfred Kinsey and began working on two films: "Puce Women," a color film starring Yvonne Marquis, and "The Love That Whirls," based on Aztec human sacrifice, which was later destroyed due to its nudity.
1949: Fireworks Shown at Festival du Film Maudit
Kenneth Anger's film "Fireworks" was shown at the Festival du Film Maudit in Biarritz in 1949, leading to a significant connection with Jean Cocteau.
1950: Move to Paris and Collaboration with Jean Cocteau
Kenneth Anger moved to Paris in 1950, where he befriended director Jean Cocteau. He also began filming "Rabbit's Moon," which remained unfinished for two decades.
1953: Creation of Eaux d'Artifice in Rome
Kenneth Anger filmed "Eaux d'Artifice" in Rome in 1953, a tranquil short film set in the garden of the Villa d'Este and inspired by the 16th-century occultist Cardinal d'Este.
1953: Release of "Eaux d'Artifice"
Inspired by the European avant-garde movement, Anger released "Eaux d'Artifice" in 1953, showcasing his evolving cinematic style.
1953: Return to the U.S. and Collaboration with Stan Brakhage
Following his mother's death in 1953, Anger returned to the U.S. and collaborated with filmmaker Stan Brakhage on a film that was later confiscated for obscenity.
1954: Release of "Inauguration of the Pleasure Dome"
Anger's experimental film "Inauguration of the Pleasure Dome" premiered in 1954.
1954: Creation of Inauguration of the Pleasure Dome
Inspired by a costume party, Kenneth Anger created the surrealist film "Inauguration of the Pleasure Dome" in 1954, incorporating Crowleyan and Thelemite themes.
1955: Filming of Thelema Abbey Documentary
Kenneth Anger filmed the documentary "Thelema Abbey" in 1955 at the Abbey of Thelema in Sicily, focusing on its history as Crowley's commune in the 1920s.
1958: Exhibition of Inauguration of the Pleasure Dome at Expo 58
Kenneth Anger's film "Inauguration of the Pleasure Dome" was exhibited as a projected triptych at Expo 58 in Brussels.
1961: Return to the U.S. and Creation of Scorpio Rising
In 1961, Kenneth Anger returned to the United States and began working on his controversial film, Scorpio Rising, a symbolic exploration of biker subculture, featuring themes of rebellion and death.
1963: Homoerotic Themes in "Scorpio Rising"
Continuing his exploration of homoeroticism, Anger's 1963 film "Scorpio Rising" featured a muscular, topless biker clad in leather, further pushing boundaries and solidifying his reputation for challenging societal norms.
1964: Release of "Scorpio Rising"
Anger released the influential film "Scorpio Rising" in 1964.
1965: Sensual Imagery in "Kustom Kar Kommandos"
Anger's 1965 film "Kustom Kar Kommandos" continued to employ homoerotic imagery, depicting a young man sensually polishing a car with close-up shots emphasizing his physique and tight clothing.
1965: Publication of Hollywood Babylon and Lawsuit
Anger's book "Hollywood Babylon," filled with celebrity gossip, faced controversy and a lawsuit from Gloria Swanson. A pirated version was printed in the U.S. in 1965.
1965: Release of "Kustom Kar Kommandos" and "Hollywood Babylon"
The year 1965 saw the release of Anger's film "Kustom Kar Kommandos" and his controversial book "Hollywood Babylon," filled with sensationalized stories of Hollywood.
1966: Move to the Russian Embassy and Beginning of Lucifer Rising
In 1966, Anger moved into the William Westerfield House, known as the "Russian Embassy," and began developing his film Lucifer Rising, reflecting his Thelemite beliefs. He sought an actor to embody Lucifer, ultimately choosing Bobby Beausoleil.
1966: Fireworks Release and Supreme Court Case
In 1966, Kenneth Anger's film "Fireworks" was released, leading to his arrest on obscenity charges. However, the case went to the Supreme Court of California, where the film was deemed art and Anger was acquitted.
1966: Release of "Sacred Mushroom Edition" and Growing Fame
In 1966, amidst the burgeoning hippie movement and rising popularity of LSD, Anger released a version of his film, Inauguration of the Pleasure Dome, specifically designed to be viewed under the influence of LSD for an intensified sensory experience. His fame in the underground scene continued to grow with screenings of his films.
October 26, 1967: Public Reinvention and Claim of Burning Films
On October 26, 1967, Anger took out an ad in The Village Voice declaring himself deceased, a publicity stunt that reflected his evolving persona and echoed Crowley's penchant for dramatic gestures. He later claimed to have burned his early work.
1967: Casting and Controversy Surrounding Lucifer Rising
In 1967, Anger claimed the footage for Lucifer Rising was stolen, implicating Beausoleil. This incident marked a significant fallout between the two, with Beausoleil later becoming involved in the Manson Family and convicted of murder.
1967: Anger Burns Early Films
In 1967, Anger decided to destroy a significant portion of his early films, adding a layer of mystery to his artistic journey.
1969: Release of "Invocation of My Demon Brother"
Anger further explored Thelema themes in his 1969 film, "Invocation of My Demon Brother".
1969: Release of Invocation of My Demon Brother and Connections with The Rolling Stones
In 1969, Anger released Invocation of My Demon Brother, a film that incorporated footage initially intended for Lucifer Rising. The film featured notable figures like Bobby Beausoleil, Anton LaVey, and members of The Rolling Stones, marking a significant intersection of underground film and rock music.
1969: Nudity and Wrestling in "Invocation of My Demon Brother"
In 1969, Anger's film "Invocation of My Demon Brother" further incorporated nudity and homoerotic themes, featuring scenes of naked men wrestling.
1970: Completion and Release of Rabbit's Moon
After retrieving footage from the Cinémathèque Française, Kenneth Anger completed and released his film "Rabbit's Moon" in 1970.
1971: Release of "Rabbit's Moon"
Anger continued his exploration of avant-garde filmmaking with the release of "Rabbit's Moon" in 1971.
1972: Release of "Lucifer Rising"
Anger's film "Lucifer Rising," another exploration of Thelema, was released in 1972.
1972: Release of Rabbit's Moon
In 1972, Anger finally released his film Rabbit's Moon after shooting it in the 1950s. This marked the emergence of a film long-shelved, offering a glimpse into Anger's earlier creative period.
1974: Official American Release of Hollywood Babylon
The official American version of "Hollywood Babylon" by Kenneth Anger was published in 1974 after legal battles and controversy.
1979: Rerelease of Rabbit's Moon and Other Projects
In 1979, Anger released a shorter version of Rabbit's Moon, showcasing his tendency to revisit and re-edit his work. He also added a new soundtrack to his film Puce Moment and rereleased it.
1979: Collaboration and Fallout with Jimmy Page
In 1979, Anger's collaboration with Led Zeppelin's Jimmy Page on the soundtrack for Lucifer Rising dissolved, resulting in a public falling out and Anger replacing Page's music with a score by the then-imprisoned Bobby Beausoleil.
1980: Conflict with Andy Warhol
In 1980, Anger expressed his resentment towards Andy Warhol's success by vandalizing a house Warhol had previously resided in, highlighting a clash of personalities within the art and film world.
1980: Fireworks Alterations and Adaptations Conclude
Kenneth Anger concluded a period of alterations and adaptations to his film "Fireworks" in 1980, marking a significant point in the film's evolution.
1981: Completion and Release of Lucifer Rising
In 1981, Anger, after a decade of work and setbacks, completed and released his highly anticipated film, Lucifer Rising. This occult-themed film, steeped in Thelemite symbolism, marked the culmination of a project fraught with challenges and controversy.
1984: The Coca Crystal Show Incident
In a controversial incident on the set of Coca Crystal's television show in 1984, Anger's demand for taxi fare reimbursement was refused, leading to an altercation with talent coordinator Maureen Ivice. The situation escalated with Anger attempting to force Ivice into his taxi before being stopped by staff members. This event showcased Anger's volatile temper and generated negative publicity.
1984: Financial Struggles and the Release of "Hollywood Babylon II"
In 1984, following the release of the documentary "Kenneth Anger's Magick," Anger faced financial difficulties that forced him to sell his air conditioner. He released "Hollywood Babylon II" to generate income and continued to explore avenues for producing "Lucifer Rising II." This period marked a challenging time for Anger as he grappled with financial instability and the continuation of his cinematic projects.
1984: Release of "Hollywood Babylon II"
Anger published "Hollywood Babylon II" in 1984, a sequel to his controversial book on Hollywood scandals.
1986: Fireworks VHS Distribution
"Fireworks" by Kenneth Anger was distributed on VHS in 1986, marking a wider release of the film.
1986: Video Rights Sale and Increased Exposure
Anger made the significant decision to sell the video rights to his films in 1986, leading to their release on VHS and a wider audience reach. This move contributed to greater recognition and accessibility of his work.
1991: Relocation to Palm Springs
In 1991, Anger relocated to West Arenas Boulevard in Palm Springs, California, residing in the former estate of actress Ruby Keeler.
1993: Visit to Sydney and Lecture at the Australian Film Institute Cinema
During his 1993 visit to Sydney, Anger delivered a lecture at the Australian Film Institute Cinema alongside a screening of his films. In an interview with Black and White magazine, he revealed his ongoing work on a feature film about Australian artist and occultist Rosaleen Norton, although this project never materialized.
1995: Publication of Unauthorized Biography and Anger's Disapproval
Bill Landis, an associate of Anger's, released an unofficial biography about him in 1995. Anger vehemently opposed the book, denouncing Landis as an "avowed enemy" and expressing his disapproval of its publication.
1995: Bill Landis Comments on Anger's Claim
Film historian Bill Landis, in 1995, noted the visual resemblance of young Anger to the Changeling Prince character, despite the role being credited to another actor.
2000: Premiere of "Don't Smoke That Cigarette"
Anger marked the beginning of the new millennium with the screening of his short film "Don't Smoke That Cigarette," an anti-smoking piece, in 2000.
2004: Homoeroticism in "Anger Sees Red"
Anger's 2004 short film "Anger Sees Red" revisited homoerotic themes, prominently featuring a muscular, topless man engaging in physical activity.
2004: Debut of "Anger Sees Red," "Patriotic Penis," and Other Short Films
The year 2004 saw a surge in Anger's creative output with the release of several short films, including the surreal "Anger Sees Red" featuring himself, the provocative "Patriotic Penis," "Mouse Heaven" showcasing Mickey Mouse memorabilia, "Ich Will!," and "Uniform Attraction." Anger presented these films during various public appearances.
2008: Appearance in "FLicKeR" Documentary
Anger made a notable appearance in Nik Sheehan's 2008 documentary "FLicKeR," a film exploring the life and work of Brion Gysin and the Dreamachine.
2009: Appearance in "Night of Pan" and Retrospective Exhibitions
In 2009, Anger appeared in the short film "Night of Pan," written and directed by Brian Butler, sharing the screen with Vincent Gallo. That same year, his work was prominently featured in a retrospective exhibition at MoMA PS1 in New York City, followed by a similar exhibition in London the subsequent year.
2010: Explanation of Name Change
Despite maintaining a long-held reticence about discussing his name change from Anglemyer to Anger, Anger offered a rare insight into the decision during a 2010 interview, stating that he condensed his name for its memorability and impact.
2015: Withholding of "Hollywood Babylon III" Due to Legal Concerns
Despite completing "Hollywood Babylon III," Anger chose not to publish it in 2015, citing potential legal repercussions, particularly regarding a section on Tom Cruise and the Church of Scientology, known for its litigious nature.
May 11, 2023: Death of Kenneth Anger
Kenneth Anger, an influential figure in underground experimental filmmaking, passed away on May 11, 2023.
2023: Bobby Beausoleil's Continued Incarceration
As of 2023, Bobby Beausoleil, once involved in Anger's Lucifer Rising, continues to serve a life sentence for murder, a stark reminder of the tragic turn of events following his association with Anger and the Manson Family.