“Inauguration of the Pleasure Dome” is a short experimental film created by avant-garde filmmaker Kenneth Anger. Released in 1954, the film is a surreal and hallucinatory journey into the realm of mysticism and symbolism. The narrative, if it can be called that, is loosely inspired by Aleister Crowley’s novel “The Equinox of the Gods.”

The film features a cast of eccentric and symbolic characters, including gods and mythological figures such as Osiris, Isis, and Pan. These characters engage in a series of ritualistic and symbolic actions within a dreamlike and otherworldly landscape. The title, “Inauguration of the Pleasure Dome,” refers to a magical ceremony in the film where the characters explore desires and the subconscious mind.

Anger’s film is renowned for its visual richness and symbolic complexity. It incorporates a mix of mystical and occult imagery, exploring themes of ritual, desire, and transformation. The abstract nature of the film encourages multiple interpretations, and its dreamlike sequences create a hypnotic and immersive experience for viewers. “Inauguration of the Pleasure Dome” is considered a landmark in experimental cinema, pushing the boundaries of traditional storytelling and embracing a more avant-garde and symbolic approach to filmmaking.