Filmed in 2003, this 78 minute film consists of a one-on-one interview with comic creator Alan Moore, best known for works like From Hell, Watchmen and V for Vendetta. Although Moore does touch on his past and his comic career, Mindscape isn’t so much a straightforward autobiographical film as an exploration of his more philosophical musings. Moore posits himself a modern-day shaman, and much of the latter part of the film is a discussion about magic.
There are definitely some interesting bits to the discussion — Moore’s thoughts on information doubling, or language as magic — but the digression into shamanism may leave many behind, particularly those looking for more information about Moore the man or his works. Further complicating matters is Moore’s very thick accent, which can make following his dialogue rather difficult at times.
Interspliced between the segments of Moore’s talk are some early film renditions of V for Vendetta and Watchmen. Another segment alludes to John Constantine of Swamp Thing and Hellblazer fame. The clips make for an interesting comparison with the commercially released versions of the films, particularly given Moore’s intentional distance from those works. Accompanying the primary disc is a second disc containing a series of in-depth interviews with several of Moore’s artistic collaborators — Melinda Gebbie, Kevin O’Neill, Dave Gibbons and more — as well as a ‘making of’ featurette.
The Mindscape of Alan Moore is an apt title, given the contents. However, it may prove to be a little too introspective for the casual fan — or the fan who simply wants to know more about the marvelous creations from the mind of Moore. But for those who want to know about Alan Moore the magician, it’s ideal!
(Shadowsnake/The Disinformation Company, 2008)
