Been Down So Long It Looks Like Up To Me is a 1971 film based on the novel of the same name by Richard Fariña. Set in the 1960s, the movie follows the misadventures of a hedonistic college student named Gnossos Pappadopoulis (Barry Primus) as he navigates the world of drugs, sex, and counterculture rebellion. Gnossos is a brash and impulsive young man with a rebellious streak. He rejects the conventional values of his upper-class upbringing and instead embraces a hedonistic lifestyle of drugs and promiscuity. Along with his friend and fellow outsider, Herbie (David Downing), Gnossos hops from one wild party to the next, engaging in all manner of debauchery.
As the film progresses, Gnossos becomes increasingly disillusioned with the world around him. He witnesses the hypocrisy of the mainstream society and the failures of the counterculture movement, leading him to reject both in favor of a more individualistic philosophy. In the end, Gnossos sets off on a journey of self-discovery, hoping to find some sense of meaning in a world that seems increasingly meaningless.
The movie is notable for its vivid portrayal of the counterculture movement of the 1960s. It captures the spirit of the era, with its emphasis on free love, psychedelic drugs, and anti-authoritarianism. The film is also notable for its stellar cast, which includes Susan Tyrrell in a scene-stealing role as a wild and unpredictable artist.
At its core, Been Down So Long It Looks Like Up To Me is a coming-of-age story that explores the themes of identity, rebellion, and disillusionment. Through the character of Gnossos, the film examines the tension between personal freedom and social responsibility, as well as the search for meaning in a world that often seems chaotic and absurd.
Overall, Been Down So Long It Looks Like Up To Me is a thought-provoking and stylish film that captures the spirit of its era. It offers a fascinating glimpse into a time of great social and cultural upheaval, and it explores the timeless themes of youth, rebellion, and the desire for self-discovery. For fans of counterculture cinema, this film is a must-see.
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