Who Is Kenneth Anger? Age, Biography and Wiki
Kenneth Anger, born on February 3, 1927, in Santa Monica, California, was a pivotal figure in the world of avant-garde cinema. Not only did he establish himself as an innovative filmmaker, but he also made a mark as an author and a cultural commentator. His filmography, which includes classics such as "Scorpio Rising" and "Invocation of My Demon Brother," is known for its experimental style and exploration of gay themes, drawing heavily on symbolism and the occult. Kenneth Anger passed away in 2023, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire filmmakers and artists worldwide.
| Occupation | Screenwriter |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | February 3, 1927 |
| Age | 96 Years |
| Birth Place | Santa Monica, California, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Aquarius |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 11 May, 2023 |
| Died Place | Yucca Valley, California, U.S. |
Popularity
Kenneth Anger's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Kenneth Anger, known for his eccentric style and creative persona, stood at approximately 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm) tall and had a slender build. While specific measurements such as weight fluctuate, he was characterized by his unique fashion sense that often included vintage clothing, reflecting his love for old Hollywood glamour.
Upon Fireworks 's release, Anger was arrested on obscenity charges. He was acquitted after the case went to the Supreme Court of California, which deemed the film art, not pornography. Twenty years old when he made Fireworks, Anger claimed to have been 17, presumably to present himself as more of an enfant terrible.
A homoerotic work lasting only 14 minutes, the film revolves around a young man (played by Anger) associating with various navy sailors, who eventually turn on him, stripping him naked, beating him to death, and ripping open his chest to find a compass inside. Several fireworks then explode, accompanied by a burning Christmas tree.
The final shot shows the young man lying in bed next to another shirtless man. Of this film, Anger said in 1966: "This flick is all I have to say about being 17, the United States Navy, American Christmas and the fourth of July." He continuously altered and adapted the film until 1980. It was distributed on VHS in 1986.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Throughout his life, Kenneth Anger was known to be quite private about his personal relationships. Renowned for his artistic collaborations and friendships within the film industry, he had connections with notable figures such as Bobby Beausoleil and actress Jayne Mansfield. While there were speculations regarding his romantic life, Anger did not publicly disclose major details about boyfriends or relationships, opting to focus on his career and art.
He began making short films when he was 14 years old, although his first film to gain any recognition was the homoerotic Fireworks (1947). The work's controversial nature led to his trial on obscenity charges, but he was acquitted. A friendship and working relationship subsequently began with pioneering sexologist Alfred Kinsey.
Moving to Europe, Anger produced a number of shorts inspired by the avant-garde scene there, such as Eaux d'Artifice (1953) and Rabbit's Moon (1971).
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his death, Kenneth Anger’s net worth was estimated to be around $2 million. This figure stemmed not only from his film projects but also from his writings and occasional art exhibitions. Anger’s artistic contributions have been celebrated, leading to various honors that positively impacted his financial standing.
A notorious incident occurred when Anger was invited to appear on Coca Crystal's television show in 1984. Upon arriving at the studio he demanded that somebody pay for his taxi ride there, and when they refused, he attacked talent coordinator Maureen Ivice and tried to drag her into his taxi before she was rescued by other members of staff.
Anger reportedly escaped the scene by flinging a $100 bill at the cab driver and screaming, "Get me out of here!"
Career, Business, and Investments
Kenneth Anger was a pioneer of experimental filmmaking and is often regarded as one of the finest independent filmmakers of his time. His career began in the 1940s, and over the decades, he released several influential films that challenged conventional narratives. Apart from his film career, Anger authored several books, including "Hollywood Babylon," which detailed the dark tales of Tinseltown's history and scandals. Anger also dabbled in investments related to antiques and rare artifacts, showcasing his diverse interests beyond filmmaking.
In 1944, the Anglemyers moved to Hollywood to move in with family, and Kenneth began attending Beverly Hills High School.
It was here that he met Marilyn Granas, who had once been the stand-in for Shirley Temple, and he asked her – alongside another classmate and an older woman – to appear in his next film project, which was ultimately titled Escape Episode.
Revolving partially around the occult, the picture was filmed in a "spooky old castle" in Hollywood and was subsequently screened at the Coronet Theatre in Los Angeles.
Around this time, Anger also began attending screenings of silent films at Clara Grossman's art gallery, through which he met a fellow filmmaker, Curtis Harrington, with whom he formed Creative Film Associates (CFA). Harrington is said to have introduced Anger to the work of English occultist Aleister Crowley.
Crowley's philosophy of Thelema exerted a profound influence on Anger's career. CFA was founded to distribute experimental or "underground" films, such as those of Maya Deren and John and James Whitney, as well as Anger's and Harrington's.
Social Network
Kenneth Anger was a figure who thrived within artistic circles and had a significant presence in the alternative arts community. While he wasn't particularly active on mainstream social media platforms, his influence was palpable in indie film festivals and underground art exhibitions. His followers remember his impact through various online forums, fan pages, and retrospectives of his work.
Anger described filmmakers such as Auguste and Louis Lumière, Georges Méliès, and Maya Deren as influences, and has been cited as an important influence on directors like Martin Scorsese, David Lynch, and John Waters.
Kinsey Today argued that Anger had "a profound impact on the work of many other filmmakers and artists, as well as on music video as an emergent art form using dream sequence, dance, fantasy, and narrative."
Education
Kenneth Anger’s interest in film and the arts was evident from an early age, leading him to attend the University of Southern California’s School of Cinematic Arts, where he honed his craft. He was also influenced by his exploration of occultism and spirituality, which significantly shaped the themes of his films. His eclectic educational background included exposure to both formal film training and self-directed study in esoteric subjects.
Anger's interest in the occult deepened in high school. He first indirectly encountered the subject through reading L. Frank Baum's Oz books as a child, with their accompanying Rosicrucian philosophies.
He was also interested in the works of the French ceremonial magician Eliphas Levi, as well as Sir James Frazer's The Golden Bough, although his favorite writings were Crowley's; he eventually converted to Thelema, the religion Crowley founded.
