Holy Hell (2016)

An inside look at Buddhafield, a West Hollywood cult formed by a charismatic teacher in the 1980s that eventually imploded.

Director:

Will Allen

Stars:

Will Allen, Dimitrius Pulido, Phillipe Coquet

4 nominations.

Cast

Credited cast:
Amy Allen	...	Self
Cristala Allen	...	Self
Gina Allen	...	Self
Will Allen	...	Self (as William Francesco Allen)
Jennifer Baca	...	Self
Alessandra Burenin	...	Self
Vera Cheiffo	...	Self
David Christopher	...	Self
Phillipe Coquet	...	Self
Radhia Gleis	...	Self
Julian Goldstein	...	Self
Jamie Simone Gomez	...	Michel / Andreas / Reyji - Buddhafield cult leader (archive footage)
Greg Gorey	...	Self
Murti Hower	...	Self
Chris Johnston	...	Self

Storyline

An inside look at Buddhafield, a West Hollywood cult formed by a charismatic teacher in the 1980s that eventually imploded.

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Plot Keywords:

deception | hairy chest | cult | craziness | delusion | 

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Genres:

Documentary | Drama

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Certificate:

Not Rated

Did You Know?

Trivia

At the very beginning of the documentary, as Will Allen narrates about his younger life and wanting to know all things spiritual, a stack of books is shown. The book on top is titled "A Handbook of Concepts for Living" and it was published in 1981, by Campus Crusade for Christ International, an evangelical Christian ministry.

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Quotes

Chris Johnston: There's this social interplay that happens between highly codependent people and pathological narcissists. Who is going to give a person who needs constant adoration and attention, who is going to give that to them, ceaselessly? Somebody who relies on him as the source of their self-esteem. And they'll say, "You seem like a normal, rational, intelligent human being. How did this happen to you?"... It's what we do every time we come into a religion. We take on their beliefs as truth. You will do...

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Crazy Credits

Closing song written and performed by _Cabot Budlong_ former member for 20 years. Abused, still surviving...

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Connections

References The Towering Inferno (1974)

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Soundtracks

It's So Easy!
Written by Buddy Holly & Norman Petty
Performed by The Buddhafield

User Reviews

A Little Eyeliner Goes a Long Way

In 1985, a film student graduate joins a Southern California cult of spiritually enlightened and very good looking young men and women. The group is called "Buddhafield" and is run by a muscular, charismatic ex-actor. This leader has several names; mostly, he is identified as Michel. The cinematographer is the narrator and director of this very documentary, Will Allen. As you might guess, hypnotic Michel provides group members with an otherwise unattainable link to God. After 22 years with Michel and the group, Mr. Allen leaves the group to obtain even greater enlightenment by producing this film. It is a fascinating look at this cult, its leader and their activities. We are fortunate Allen was allowed to capture so much and finally break free from the group. It ends with a look at Michel today and (if you see CNN's airing) even includes a final statement from the Godly leader...

"Holy Hell" is most valuable due to Allen's surviving film and video footage. While it provides insight and is engaging throughout, the story is not satisfying in one important respect. We are told, but do not see the appeal of Michel. This man, slightly older than the average group member, is not as mysterious as he is obvious. "The Master" saunters around in a protruding, jock strapped-up Speedo. Michel works out, dances and sports carefully applied make-up. He's tanned, tightened and glistens. Michel positively screams warning signs. Very loudly. His connection to "Rosemary's Baby" (1968) startles, but his eventually exposed shocking secret comes as no big surprise. We assume Allen and his peers were susceptible people with severe emotional problems because Michel would send almost anyone else running for the hills. It's great they are free and good luck to them.

******* Holy Hell (1/25/2016) Will Allen ~ Michel Gomez, Will Allen, Dimitrius Pulido, David Christopher

Details

Official Sites:

Official site

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

27 May 2016 (USA)

Also Known As:

Kulten fra Californien

Filming Locations:

Oahu, Hawaii, USA

Box Office

Opening Weekend USA:

$9,238, 29 May 2016

Gross USA:

$18,051

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$18,051

Company Credits

Production Co:

WRA Productions, Very Special Projects, Whitewater Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

100 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

16:9 HD