Holy Hell

Intriguing documentary about a homosexual predator/cult leader who used his experience in hypnosis and acting to prey upon adult cult members in Los Angeles who to this day fail to accept responsibility for going along with it. There is no doubt that cult leader Michel was/is a terrible person and sexual predator, but this doc does an even better job of exposing the foolishness and desperation of his New Age followers.

This is an absorbing document about a cult of body beautiful in West Hollywood led by a gay guru who secretly slept with the males in his cult all the while preaching celibacy. The group was supposed to be about finding god but it was about the leader. He never dressed, preferring to run around in a Speedo and the rest of his young cult rarely dressed in more than bikinis. How can sensible adults deny that sex is fundamental to planet earth? I always think when pondering sex-"hating" cults. One of the most engrossing things about watching this group of delusionals is the slow arc presented. It's well paced, so that the movement to, in, through and back out of the cult is fluid. Unlike most cult exposés this doesn't end with death or prison; this ends with an exodus to Hawaii. We should all end so ignominiously.

A unique view inside the makings of a cult. It's incredible that the director was able 25 years of brainwashing. Must watch for anyone even remotely interested in spirituality. There are a lot of con-artists and manipulators out there, so it's always good to be aware of red flags and listen to your intuition.

Moral of the story: At the end of the day all the answers are within. You are your own guru. Never idolize or worship another human being, especially if he calls himself your "master".

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

A wild cult story with relevant interviews that provide and in depth look at 'the master' and his descent into madness. Great documentary style that abounded in first person accounts and videos.