A best selling author for 30 years, Carlos Castaneda inspired millions to break free from social dogma, fueling controversy over his work’s authenticity and assertions of perceiving non-ordinary reality. Genius, guru, cult leader or fraud? No one really knows. Over three years in the making, this shocking expose’ explores Castaneda’s mythic impact and controversial teachings. Candid interviews backed with dazzling animation and experimental footage offer an intense visual and intellectual experience
Tech Specs
Runtime: 91 min.
Format: 1:85
Sound: Dolby SR
Rating: NR
Genre: Documentary, Alternative
Language: English
Country: USA
Website: http://www.CastanedaMovie.com
Tech Specs
Directed by: Ralph Torjan
Starring: Amy Wallace, Felix Wolf, Richard De Mille & Carlos Castaneda
Awards & Film Festivals
• PLATINUM AWARD — Worldfest Houston
• Official Selection — DC Independent Film Festival
• Official Selection — Beverly Hills Film Festival
• Official Selection — Filmstock International Film Festival
• Official Selection — Melbourne Film Festival
• Official Selection — Bare Bones Film Festival
• Official Selection — Dahlonega International Film Festival
“Documentary about the reclusive philosopher, Carlos Castaneda charting the life and legacy of one of the founders of the New Age. A psychedelic trip into the dream world without using drugs…”
• Screen Daily
The behind-the-scenes of his “cult”: are absolutely riveting. The best part is the technautical (new word) soundtrack and mind blowing psychedelia behind the talking heads.
• Madison Isthmus
An interesting documentary that delves into the life of the reclusive writer, showing his flaws (he made up Don Juan) which only makes rational people shake our heads in amazement at the gullible believers. A fascinating tale…
• Marc Mohan, Portland Oregonian
…plenty of material to make a movie from, the commentators in this film touch on some fascinating points…
• Joe Brown, SF Chronicle
With tribal rave music and trippy images cascading in the background…this is both a troubling and enlightening documentary and a true must see for anyone who has ever read Castaneda’s books.
• Reverend Damuzi, Cannabis Culture
Carlos Castaneda, who some consider the progenitor of the New Age movement is posthumously profiled in R. Torjan’s film. With an overall perspective that is critical enough to satisfy both New Age types and curious skeptics, the film details shamanistic lore, experiences with psychedelics and various states of non-ordinary reality in a lava-lamp kitschy manner, but that does provide visual stimulus that apt.
• Dennis Harvey, Variety
…genuinely powerful interview segments…
• Carlo Cavagna, About Film.com
This engrossing movie gets full marks for including the voices of both Castaneda’s friends and foes reflecting an ambivalent, still-unresolved attitude toward its subject, ultimately validated as an inspired thinker. A better lesson might be, if you meet a Buddha like Carlos Castaneda in the road — run like hell in the other direction.
• Gregg Rickman, SF Weekly
