
Tarology

Tarology
Where to Watch Tarology

Tarology is a distinctively intellectual, thought-provoking documentary feature from 2011, directed by Chris Deleo and Kim Daniel. The documentarian duo maneuver through the mystic world of Tarot reading, embracing the complexity and deep-rooted symbolism in each unique card. However, to add uniqueness to their venture, the directors turn their focus to a non-traditional Tarot reader, Enrique Enriquez.
Enrique Enriquez serves as the film's guide into the rich history, mythology, and interpretive artistry of Tarot card reading. Unlike many interpreters of tarot, Enriquez approaches the subject not from a mystical perspective but through a poet's lens, reshaping universal perspectives on the Tarot. Renowned for his highly unconventional approach towards card reading, Enriquez aims to revive the inherent beauty of tarot in its purest form, shedding artificial mystiques and unvalidated superstitions surrounding the cards. He situates Tarot not in the realm of the psychic, but in everyday life with its stories, dilemmas, and emotions, which the cards depict more than anything else.
The movie originates its title from Tarology - a term referring to the theoretical study of Tarot - intertwined with Enriquez's unique and fascinating methodologies. The directors explore the manners in which Enriquez, originally from Venezuela, redefines the field of Tarot-reading through his abnormal yet spectacular practices. His view that Tarot can be interpreted with a similar mindset to deciphering poetry or artwork fosters a challenging new perspective in the viewer.
This compelling documentary traces the journey of the subject from his origins as a young skeptic about Tarot, taking the viewers to the streets of the East Village in New York City, where Enriquez shares his passion with others. It discusses how Enriquez, despite being a non-religious person, uses Tarot as a tool for contemplation and reflection. It showcases Enriquez interacting with an array of clientele, projecting to us a stripped-down, non-mystical method of Tarot reading. Due to Enriquez's counterintuitive methodologies, the film offers the audience a comprehensive and entrancing view of Tarot's capabilities when devoid of its commonly perceived esoteric belief system.
Tarology absorbs viewers into ruminations about concept, image, and symbolism, twisting perceptions and broadening cognitive horizons. It is cinematic art that challenges the conventional, documenting the literal and metaphorical journey of Enriquez who breathes new life into a centuries-old tradition.
The movie employs various narrations and interviews, interwoven with beautiful shots of tarot cards and New York's bustling environment, to appropriately present the story's alluring complexity. Strikingly rendered visuals, evocative background music, and sequences create an atmosphere perfectly complementing the somewhat mystical aura of the subject matter while also making an engaging spectacle.
Tarology provocatively pushes the boundaries of what a documentary could be - tossing away the traditional, detached commentary, and taking a plunge into the subject with magnetism and intensity. It's not just a movie about the Tarot, but also a thoughtful exploration of human experiences, emotions, and connections. In a broader sense, it is a study of art and symbols, interacting with society and its many stories.
One doesn't necessarily need to be intrigued by Tarot to appreciate this film; the documentary covers a wide range of themes from art, symbolism, and poetry to philosophy, psychology, and human behavior. For those who are curious about the Tarot, Tarology is a must-watch for the unique perspective it offers. Instead of focusing on the supernatural aspects associated with the Tarot, the film emphasizes the cultural and psychological aspects of this ancient art, expanding its fascination beyond occult circles.
Overall, Tarology stands out, not due to its focus on a rare subject, but because of the fresh, human perspective it brings to that subject. The film's charm lies in Enrique Enriquez's enchanting interpretations and the engaging storytelling of the directors, making it a film worth watching for the audiences seeking a deeper understanding of Tarot or those merely looking for an unusual but insightful cinematic experience.
