An American Satan

An American Satan is a 2019 documentary that dives deep into the intriguing world of officially recognized religion, Satanism. Directed by the skilled hand of Aram Garriga, the film offers an in-depth exploration, unearthing the beliefs, history, and practices that define this religion through an objective lens.

The movie places focus on America's strongest Satanic institution, The Church of Satan, and its preeminent figure, Anton Szandor LaVey. The Church plays out more as a philosophy than a traditional religion, celebrating individualism, freedom and self-indulgence while rejecting the concept of inherent evil or punishment and the notion of a physical Satan.

The film builds its narrative through interviews, historical materials and the personal experiences of essential figures in the Church of Satan. Expertly portrayed are Raul Antony, Aden Ardennes and Blanche Barton who provide first-hand insights into the tenants of the Church and its influences both at a personal level and in society at-large.

Raul Antony, a Church administrator, reconciles his beliefs in Satanism with his daily life, offering a fascinating perspective on what it means to be a Satanist in contemporary society. Aden Ardennes presents a different view, presenting Satanism through his role as a military service member who has confronted controversy and ethical dilemmas within this religious framework.

Barton, the widow of the Church's founder Anton LaVey, gives an authentic account well-rooted from the core of the institution – an account that helps to piece together the puzzle of the Church's origins, evolution, and its role in today's society.

The film does not shy away from exposing conflicting societal perceptions about Satanism. It investigates incidents that have catapulted the religion into the limelight in the past, including legal cases, media coups and societal conflicts. By unmasking misconceptions and prejudice against Satanism, An American Satan brings to light the reality behind these stories and the Church's fight for religious freedom.

The film also looks at the Church's influence on popular culture, encompassing film, music, and media. Notably, artists, writers, and creators connected to the Church are brought into the dialogue, revealing how their philosophy influences their creativity and vice versa.

An American Satan is not just a film about religion or a distinct group of people. It's about freedom – freedom of thought, of choice and of expression. It's about the human endeavor to expand and understand. It's about individuals who question and challenge societal norms.

The movie is rich in content, excellently crafted with a captivating storyline and packed with in-depth research. Garriga has created an expository work which is as entertaining as it is educational. The film's success lies in its ability to elucidate a rarified, alternative philosophy without bias or intent to proselytize, instead opting to elucidate through comprehensive documentation.

An American Satan's surprising yet respectful presentation of Satanism successfully prompts engaged reflection on the nature of religion, belief, and freedom of thought in a modern society. The film's intricate storytelling masterfully depicts a balanced view of this highly controversial subject, leaving the audience with informed opinions rather than imposing a narrative.

Garriga's documentary is a compelling piece of work, academically rigorous yet still entertaining, making it a thrilling watch. It proves to be a detailed, honest exploration of a topic seldom approached by documentaries, offering viewers a rare chance to engage with a community celebrated more in fiction than in reality. It is a film that casts aside widespread misunderstandings and fear, to explore a diverse and complex topic with depth and sincerity.

To watch An American Satan is to embark on an intellectual adventure, an examination of a darker side of American culture often misunderstood. It challenges, educates, and hooks the audience, all while providing a platform for the underrepresented voices of those who choose to follow their own path, rather than the one prescribed by mainstream society. It is a movie worth watching not just for the insights it provides into Satanism, but for the broader societal questions it raises about freedom of belief and expression.