Birth of the Acid Western
Birth of the Acid Western uncovers the lost Las Cruces-made 1960’s feature film, “The Devil’s Mistress.”Made by Brooklyn-raised NMSU English professor, Orville “Buddy” Wanzer, this film is an early version of the countercultural “acid Western” sub-genre, and is the first film ever made in Las Cruces, and the first independent film made in New Mexico by a local. Through archival research, community stories, and local experts, this documentary reveals Wanzer’s unique influence on New Mexico filmmaking and uncovers the hidden value of his iconoclastic life and art through a cinematic exploration of the American West.
The Devil’s Mistress
Professor Orville Wanzer’s "acid Western” draws inspiration from the stark desert landscape, using the jagged Organ Mountains as the central backdrop of the film. Wanzer wrote, directed, and edited this occult Western, originally titled, “Bruja,” and co-founded New Mexico’s first prodcuction company WGW Pictures with Teddy Gregory and Forest Wesmoreland, who also act in the film. He brought his vision to life on a shoestring buget, with a single 16mm Bolex, and a well-written script. Influenced by European filmmakers, Wanzer blended psychological realism with the provocative allure of American B-movies, tapping into the drive-in movie craze of the era, while also benefitting from their low-budget filmmaking techinques. The Devil's Mistress stands as a unique cinematic experience, merging art-house sensibilities with pulp entertainment.
