Director: Dez Vylenz
Distributor: ShadowSnake Films
The Mindscape of Alan Moore is a documentary that explores the life and many works of acclaimed writer and magician Alan Moore - the title was probably a clue. For those poor unfortunate people amongst you who have never heard the name, or ever visited a comic shop, the man is quite frankly a legend.
Born in Northampton, England in humble circumstances, he first made his mark as an illustrator before becoming a comics writer. His success in comic-writing resulted in such stories and graphic novels as V for Vendetta, From Hell, The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen and the groundbreaking superhero epic Watchmen.
A variety of other projects included: Brought to Light, a history of CIA covert operations, illustrated by Bill Sienkiewicz and published by ‘Eclipse Comics’. AARGH (Artists Against Rampant Government Homophobia), an anthology campaigning against anti-homosexual legislation, which was published independently through ‘Mad Love Publishing’. Lost Girls, with artist Melinda Gebbie, an erotic series exploring the sexual meanings in the classical works of Peter Pan, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, and The Wizard of Oz.
As you can see the list goes on, and on, and we haven’t even mentioned non-comic novels such as Voice of the Fire and Jerusalem, or indeed Alan Moore as ‘Magician’ and his performance magic, music and poetry.
Anyone attempting to create a documentary that can successfully cover such a prolific career as Alan Moore’s and encapsulate such a colourful and intriguing individual would be in for a challenge, but director Dez Vylenz has done a good job for the most part.
The documentary can be split into three parts, the first of which looks at Alan Moore’s early life and upbringing in Northampton, and is in some ways a social commentary on life in an economically deprived part of England, where career prospects would have been extremely limited.
The second part covers his writing and comic work, highlighted by recreations of scenes from V for Vendetta and Watchmen, and the third part looks at Alan Moore’s beliefs - the study of magic as a ‘language of symbols’ - and the manipulation of images as a means to elevating consciousness. A magical worldview where science, spirituality, and society are all connected parts of the same universe.
The documentary does suffer from a tight budget, meaning that the direction has to settle for scrolling shots and close-ups of comic pages - saved by Alan Moore’s intelligent and witty narration which holds everything together and the guerilla film-making talents of the production crew.
There are added extras - interviews with Melinda Gebbie, Paul Gravett, Dave Gibbons, David Lloyd, Kevin O’ Neill and Jose Villarubia. There’s also an easter egg (thanks to Pádraig Ó Méalóid for the clue) on the chapter selection menu which reveals a recital by Alan Moore of (part of) ‘The Demon Regent Asmodeus’ - also known as ‘Symmetry Becomes It’ - a symmetrical poem with music by Tim Perkins.
We also hear from the director Dez Vylenz, who talks about the film and how this is the first part in a series of ‘Shamanautical’ films that will look at the various facets of the mind, body and consciousness.
With a cover by John Coulthart, original music by Drew Richards, and a 20-page booklet with foreword by Michael Moorcock, this is well worth a look at, whether you’re a fan or not.
Mo Ali was born in a haunted hospital and has exceeded all expectations and kept breathing.
A digital artist, poet and writer, he needs to find some paid work before the inevitable apocalypse. To make matters worse he lives in Berkshire.