El Topo (1970)

[Scott]

EL TOPO (1970) - Directed and starring Alejandro Jodorowsky as a master gunfighter who takes on 7 Master gunfighters. After killing all of them he has to take on the master gunfighter who is without a gun. He can't bear his encounter with the last master gunfighter and becomes a monk who attempts to save deformed outcast from a cave. It's weird, bloody, and some of the dialogue with the master gunfighters enters the realm of mysticism, but somehow doesn't come off strong due to the direction and overall oddity, but perhaps he never meant it to be serious, and thats ok. All in all I liked this film that took me many years to get a copy. It would have been even better for me personally if I had seen it before I read and viewed so many parts of this film.

(8 out of 10 Stars) Mandatory viewing.

[RCMerchant]

I've heard and read alot about it.... in fact,, my first awarness of it came through an articale about it in a Castle of Frankenstein magazine when I was about 10 years old! (Talk about weird childhood reading!) ,and always was curious. Just might have to dig up a copy. Unfortunatly,my fianaces regulate my movie buying to dollar bins,flea markets,and used video outlets. But Iv'e found some real oddities and gems among the crap and garbage. Makes the hunt for that elusive video exciting!

[Scott]

I bought a whole set of Alejandro Jodorowsky that was recently released which includes 4 of his films which is way more than I usually spend, but this has been on the top of my list for so many years now, so I now own a copy of it. Your right about hunting in the $1 bargin bins. I have about 200 on my shelve that I have yet to view. There are some gems there.

[dean]

I was very annoyed a few weeks ago.  I missed the opportunity to see an original print on the big screen during the Melbourne International Film Festival: trouble was it was playing at 11:30 and I had to get up at 6 to go skiing.  Earlier that night I watched a movie called Teeth I must review.

Another on my list of missed 'cool' opportunities... 

[Scott]

Yea, EL TOPO toured across the U.S. early this year on the big screen and I missed the one night only event in Philadelphia.

[Jim H]

For those unaware, there's a recent US DVD release of the film.  It's been hard to find like forever, so it is nice to finally have it readily available.  It's on my "to rent" list..

[Torgo]

Anchor Bay released an excellent box set of  4 of Jodorowsky's films recently including El Topo (I think that's the only one released seperately outside of the box).

You also get soundtracks to 2 of the films as well. I've been meaning to pick it up.

El Topo is quite the head trip at times. 

[Pilgermann]

I watched this recently and I'm not sure if I like it or not.  It's certainly strange and interesting, and it's worthwhile I suppose.  I'll watch it again sometime.