There’s a book by a guy called Jeff Long that this is veeeeeery loosely based on, and it expands on the premise to an epic scale. It’s totally bonkers.
As Above, So Below is kinda in the same vein but not as good.
I loved this movie right up until the end… so so so disappointing and a “oops-we-ran-out-of-money” low budget ending for something that right up until that point was riding a high point.
Disappointing ending? As Above, So Below? Oh I’m sorry but…
spoiler
ending with the world turned upside-down and yet the same as before is entirely consistent with the alchemical, Enlightenment, philosophical, and psychological recognition of opposites, of turning things around, of viewing difficult (e.g. your worldview) and seemingly easy (e.g. memories) subjects from another perspective. Remember where some of the journeyers were interested in the room of gold, and others in the wall of symbols? That’s the metaphor for the ending.
Looked at this way, the ending is thrillingly deep. Seriously, once Dick Gregory’s observation* is understood, this movie encourages an irreplaceable insight. It’s a trip though, you’re right about that, from “riding high,” as you say, to the darkest of depths, which is all-too-easily missed. Good flick, give it another go; the movie is the ride, the ending is the worthy destination.
- “Before you argue with someone ask yourself: Is this person mentally mature enough to grasp the concept of different perspective? If not, there is no point to argue.” — Dick Gregory
Man…i remember, and will never forget, going to see this in the theaters. Was not ready for what this brought!
I saw it again later on dvd with the alternate ending…i think the alt ending makes it all even worse…obviously that’s the point, if you’ve seen it, but still….😩
This movie totally messed me up for anything involving caves. Imagine my anxiety reading about that Nuttypuck Cave deal (i forget the actual name, but IYKYK…)
Love this one too. I read Ted the caver and saw this shortly after. I had wild dreams & didn’t sleep well for weeks lol
