Scorpio Rising

About This Movie

Scorpio Rising is a wild ride through Kenneth Anger’s twisted imagination. It’s less about coherent storytelling and more about mood—dark, rebellious, and dripping with a countercultural vibe. The film's pacing is erratic, but that only adds to its unsettling charm. With a soundtrack that mixes pop music and ominous tones, the visuals are a fever dream of leather-clad bikers and occult symbolism. The practical effects aren’t much, but the rawness of the images—a blend of sadism, sexuality, and super 8 film aesthetics—captures the gritty essence of the late '60s. Anger's skill in juxtaposing these elements is what makes this film distinctive, really a piece of art that invites discussion rather than easy interpretation.

Shot on 16mm film, grainy and raw aesthetic · Notable for its use of pop music and occult imagery · Anger's second film, following 'Fireworks' (1947) · Explores themes of sexuality and rebellion