I LUST OCH NOD
One man's search for the most obscure, most ponderous, yet hottest porn flick of all time
THE FUTURE OF I LUST OCH NOD
A restored, uncut rerelease of Ceremony on DVD and/or blu-ray? It’s less likely than you think!
Sadly, I have it on good authority that, despite there being interest from one or more companies specializing in giving cult films a 21st century upgrade, the chances of this happening are slim to nil. I have heard directly from one of the rights holders of the film that they have no plans to allow anyone to prepare a rerelease of Ceremony, though no specific reasons were offered. So, for now, all I can do is pay tribute to the film with this website (which I will update if any further material comes to light) and offer....
THE CASE FOR RERELEASE
1.
This movie is an interesting (if unsuccessful) blend of Bergmanesque metaphysical soap opera and artistic pornography.
2.
Lead actress Elona Glenn is lovely and gives her all in her only film appearance.
3.
Ulf Brunnberg completists might enjoy seeing his work in this odd, sexy misfire.
4.
Since her death in 1979, Mary Millington’s cult of admirers has only grown and they are always on the lookout for her “lost” films - primarily the hardcore shorts she filmed in Sweden. This is the one feature film of hers that few have seen.
5.
This movie captures a soft-focus snapshot of Sweden in the 1970s in all its beauty.
6.
As with any hard-to-find cult film, there’s a contingent of collectors who’ve only read and/or heard about this film through magazines and online forums.
7.
It hasn’t been seen in its full 99 minute version since it premiered in Sweden in 1976.
8.
There are many fans the world over of the pre-video days of porn, when erotic films attempted to appeal to the mainstream audiences with story, characterization and some attempt at artistry. I think Ceremony is a prime example.
9.
In a world that has seen blu-ray releases of the collected works of Andy Sidaris and Ed Wood as well as nearly every grungy 42nd Street porn quickie, why should we be denied this beautifully shot, slow-moving, pretentious piece of erotica?
Thanks for listening, obscure film fans, and I look forward to hearing from you in the Guestbook!
ELIZABETH: You said you were leaving... You didn't just mean the party, did you?
