Gifted with the distance of not actually being in one, cults do appear to have their unique charms. There's a certain aspect of fascination involved with taking what is often a wholly illogical fabrication (Scientology, et al), then proceeding to build a small empire on a foundation of baseless magic. In a new interview with Rolling Stone, Jack Black succinctly outlines the parallels between the seemingly disparate careers of cult leader and movie star.
In addition to discussing the self-described "fraud of [his] youth" — including a cleverly orchestrated séance involving a Ouija board and a room full of rigged paranormal experiences — Black outlined his young affinity for the world of cults, particularly their often charismatic leaders. "When I see cults or people that have that cult-leader impulse," Black tells Rolling Stone, "I feel like I can understand that. They're frauds, just trying to get people to believe in magic. Under different circumstances, I definitely could have started my own cult."
Black is currently promoting the HBO series The Brink, in which he stars alongside Tim Robbins and Aasif Mandvi. The politically charged dark comedy, co-produced by Black and Robbins, premieres on June 21. Also, cults are very much still a thriving facet of the human experience.
