It also strongly resonates Gnosticism, with the protagonist quite literally shown similar to Christ. Under intoxication it almost felt reality as experienced is not ultimate reality. It is mediated, distorted, possibly false.

Another recurring imagery is of ritual sacrifices which was prevalent in Aztec cosmology and other traditions. Society survives through sacrifices which is not always literal. By labour exploitation, war casualities, psychological operations. These become the “offerings” that keep systems running, under the veneer of technological progression.

At the summit, the promise is immortality. Indeed even that illusion collapses. The idea of “immortality of images” emerges here.

There's this Zen story that if a tree in forest is burned/destroyed - is it really "dead" if we identify the tree with the forest. Of course, this idea has it's limitations, but what it tries to destroy is the notion of death and the inherent immortality underneath.

Mann atkeya

Sensitive young man summer.

🎥 West Beirut

Lighthouse

The greatest ever made.