Cult of the Damned

Cult of the Damned, also known as "Angel, Angel, Down We Go," is a wildly vibrant and highly innovative film crafted in the late 60s. Directed by Robert Thom and featuring Jennifer Jones, Jordan Christopher, and Holly Near, this film delves into a stylized portrayal of the decadent and morally ambiguous high society. The narrative follows a rebellious heiress drawn into a plot of hedonistic mayhem.

The prominent and seasoned performer, Jennifer Jones, stars as the wealthy socialite, Astrid Steele. Immersed in the faux-glamour of her high society life, Astrid battles with the demons of an unsatisfying existence. This demeaning conflict is further fueled by her relationship with her husky voiceover actor husband, portrayed by Charles Aidman. Their dysfunctional family dynamic and the disintegrating societal norms that surround them serve as poignant commentary on the superficiality and hollow emptiness of the high-society lifestyle.

Enter Jordan Christopher as the captivating and manipulative Bogart Peter Stuyvesant. Jordan delivers a stellar performance as the charismatic rock star who manipulates and feeds upon the vulnerabilities of the wealthy. His seductive charm and raw magnetism draw in both Astrid and her overweight, self-conscious daughter, portrayed brilliantly by Holly Near. The eerie allure of Stuyvesant spirals the plot into an obscene world of indulgence, dominated by deviant play and psychological manipulation.

The plot thickens as the rebellious mother-daughter duo delves into a journey of their own self identities. Tangled in Stuyvesant's web of charm and sway, both Astrid and her daughter must navigate through personal insecurities, societal expectations, and a spiraling descent into a world filled with hedonistic debauchery. What unfolds is an exploration of a twisted love triangle and the alarming extent individuals may go to escape their life's drudgeries.

Shot with a psychedelic aesthetic throwback to the creative boom of the '60s, Cult of the Damned is a graphic examination of the American high society's draw, or falling, towards simpler pleasures and base desires. The cinematography is at the forefront, with brilliant and over-saturated color palettes providing each scene with the vivid vivacity of a sensory overload.

The soundtrack of the film, meticulously composed by Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil, pulses with seductive rock'n'roll tunes. The penetrating vocals of Jordan Christopher and his band, 'The Wild Ones,' add another hauntingly mesmerizing layer to the psychedelic film experience. The music isn't simply relegated to background noise. It's a central force, effectively immersing the viewer into the crux of the film's overall atmosphere.

The film experiments freely with a myriad of narrative and visual styles and surrealistic overtones, with a definitive nod towards the influence of European cinematic melodrama. Director Robert Thom successfully weaves intricate elements depicting explicit hedonism, blatant sexuality, and a dark satire of the upper class, pushing boundaries and yet maintaining an aura of twisted humor throughout the film narrative.

Undeniably, the acting performances are pivotal to the film's success. Jennifer Jones delivers a nuanced portrayal of a woman marginalized by her deteriorating marriage's harsh reality and the weight of societal expectations. Jordan Christopher's charm and imposing presence steal the limelight and enfold viewers in their hypnotic spell. Holly Near's potent depiction of a young girl longing for acceptance and love will resonate with the audience, making her character accessible on a relatable human level.

Cult of the Damned is an unforgettable film experience with its intricate narrative, smudge-free performances and daring vision. The film is an intoxicating blend of confused identities with a daring critique of wealthy indulgence wrapped in a sweeping psychedelic journey. It will leave the viewers engulfed in a whirlwind of color, music, and frenzy, a testament to the uninhibited artist's dream of the 1960s. What Cult of the Damned offers is a provocative and candid display of the trappings of high society refracted through a psychedelic lens. It's an exhilarating cinematic ride, defiant and unapologetically bold, like its era.