The Astrologer (1976 film): A Surrealist Journey of a Charismatic Stargazer

Riveting and surreal, The Astrologer is a 1976 American film directed, written, produced, and edited by Craig Denney. The movie portrays the story of a charismatic astrologer named Craig Marcus Alexander, who uses his knowledge of the stars and planets to conquer and command his fate. The film was a cult classic in the 1970s and 1980s, but it’s now mostly known for its bizarre plot, hallucinatory visuals, and quirky characters.

Plot

The story follows Craig Marcus Alexander (Bob Byrd), a street-smart and ambitious man who discovers the art of astrology at a young age. He becomes a sensation and uses his newfound power to predict the future of his clients and gain their trust. With an insatiable thirst for power, Craig embarks on a surreal journey to fulfill his ultimate dream: ruling the world.

Through a series of misadventures and shocking encounters, Craig travels the world, handpicking the selected few who will support him in his quest for dominance. But as his obsession grows, he finds himself caught in a tangled web of deception and betrayal that eventually leads to his downfall.

Visuals

The Astrologer boasts an array of hypnotic visuals that perfectly capture the 1970s trippy aesthetic. The movie’s opening sequence is a montage of psychedelic imagery, including superimposed images of the stars and planets, and surreal footage of Craig during his many travels.

One scene that stands out is Craig’s visit to a mystic in Morocco. The mystic recites a poem while mystical symbols appear on the screen, creating an eerie ambiance. Another surreal visual is Craig’s meeting with a group of hippies, where he recites a poem about a unicorn while smoking a joint.

Characters

The Astrologer’s characters are eccentric and often outlandish, adding to the film’s overall surreal vibe. Bob Byrd portrays Craig as a charismatic yet manipulative man with an insatiable thirst for power. However, as the story progresses, he becomes increasingly delusional and detached from reality.

The supporting cast includes a plethora of quirky characters, including Craig’s ex-girlfriend, who has defected to the other side, and a mysterious man who calls himself “The Emperor of the Universe.” These characters add to the film’s overall weirdness and make the viewer unsure of what to expect.

The Astrologer (1976 film): A Surrealist Journey of a Charismatic Stargazer

If you are a fan of surreal and mystical movies, then The Astrologer is something that you should surely watch. The movie was directed by Craig Denney, and it was released in 1976. The Astrologer is a low-budget film that has been forgotten by many, but for those who have watched it, the film is a cult classic.

In this blog post, we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about The Astrologer. We will talk about the plot, the cast, the production, and the reception of the movie. So, sit tight, and let’s dive into the world of The Astrologer.

What is the plot of The Astrologer?

The Astrologer is a story about a charismatic stargazer named Craig Marcus Alexander. Craig is a gifted astrologer and a showman who uses his skills to fool people and make a fortune. However, Craig’s unethical practices finally catch up with him, and he ends up in jail. There, he meets a mysterious stranger who convinces him to join a secret organization that will help him unravel the secrets of the universe.

Craig becomes obsessed with the idea of finding the ultimate truth, and he embarks on a surreal journey that takes him across the world. He meets strange and mystical characters, including a Native American shaman, a group of hippies, and a wealthy businessman. Craig’s journey finally leads him to a remote village in Africa, where he believes he will find the answers he has been looking for.

Who stars in The Astrologer?

The Astrologer stars Craig Denney and his wife, Darrien Earle. Craig Denney was the director, writer, and lead actor in the movie. Darrien Earle played the role of Cynthia, Craig’s wife in the movie.

How was The Astrologer produced?

The Astrologer was a low-budget movie that was produced independently by Craig Denney. Denney was a former real estate broker, and he sold several properties to finance the movie. The movie was shot on a shoestring budget, and most of the crew were volunteers. According to Denney himself, the budget for the movie was around $20,000.

How was The Astrologer received?

The Astrologer was not an immediate success when it was released in 1976. The movie was not picked up by any major distributors, and it had a limited release in a few theaters. However, the movie gained a cult following through word of mouth, and it became popular among fans of surreal and experimental cinema.

Over the years, The Astrologer has gained a reputation as a cult classic. The movie has been screened at several film festivals, and it has been released on DVD and Blu-ray.

Why is The Astrologer worth watching?

The Astrologer is a unique movie that combines elements of surrealism, mysticism, and adventure. The movie is not for everyone, but if you are a fan of avant-garde cinema, then The Astrologer might be right up your alley.

The movie is also interesting from a historical perspective. The Astrologer was produced during a time when independent cinema was flourishing in the United States. The movie was made by a group of young and passionate filmmakers who wanted to create something that was outside the mainstream.

The Astrologer (1976 film): A Surrealist Journey of a Charismatic Stargazer

The Astrologer is a remarkable film that was released in 1976. Directed by Craig Denney, this surrealist journey tells the story of a charismatic stargazer who becomes the most successful purveyor of horoscopes in the world. This film is unique in many ways and stands out as a testament to the creativity of the filmmakers who brought this story to life.

The Plot

The story of The Astrologer revolves around the life of Craig Marcus, who is played by Bob Byrd. Craig is a gifted astrologer who can see the future and predict the fortunes of others. He uses his gift to become a successful businessman, making a fortune by selling horoscopes and fortunes to the general public.

Craig’s journey takes him from the heights of success to the depths of despair, as he battles to retain his independence and his sense of self in the face of increasing pressure from his investors and competitors. Along the way, he encounters a range of characters, from eccentric business owners to corrupt politicians, all of whom threaten to derail his plans and undermine his talent.

The Themes

The Astrologer is a film that explores a number of themes and ideas. Perhaps the most prominent of these is the idea of success and the price that must be paid for it. Craig is a man who has achieved great success, but he has also lost his identity in the process. He finds himself struggling to maintain his connection to the world around him as he grows more and more isolated.

Another theme that runs throughout the film is the idea of destiny. Craig’s gift as an astrologer gives him the ability to see into the future and predict the fortunes of others. But he is also shaped by his own destiny, and his path is set on a course that takes him to some unexpected and dangerous places.

The Surrealist Style

One of the standout features of The Astrologer is its surrealistic style. The film is filled with vivid imagery and dream-like sequences that create a sense of unreality and otherworldliness. This style is used to great effect in the film, creating a unique and unsettling atmosphere that draws the viewer in and keeps them engaged throughout.

The surrealistic style is also used to highlight the film’s themes and ideas. The dream-like sequences and unusual imagery are used to explore the film’s ideas in a way that is both engaging and memorable.

The Legacy of The Astrologer

Despite its unique style and memorable characters, The Astrologer was not a commercial success upon its release. However, it has since gained a cult following and is widely regarded as a classic of its genre.

The film’s legacy is evident in the many films that have been inspired by it over the years. Its influence can be seen in the work of directors like David Lynch and Terry Gilliam, who have both cited The Astrologer as an influence on their work.

Conclusion

The Astrologer is a unique and memorable film that deserves to be more widely recognized. Its combination of surrealism, compelling characters, and thought-provoking themes make it a standout example of the power of cinema to engage, entertain, and inspire. If you have not yet seen this film, I highly recommend it.