CONTEST HAS ENDED AND WINNERS HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED! Want your very own copy of The Mindscape of Alan Moore 2-DVD set? We’re making it easy for you. Simply click here to send us an email. Make the subject line ‘WHO WATCHES THE WATCHMEN?’ and be sure to include your full name, mailing address and phone number. Five lucky winners will be picked at random and will receive this awesome set, courtesy of Disinformation, Shadowsnake Films and Pop Culture Zoo! The deadline for submitting your entry is midnight (PDT) 10/21/08.
The Mindscape of Alan Moore
# Actors: Alan Moore
# Directors: DeZ Vylenz
# Format: Color, DVD-Video, NTSC
# Language: English
# Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only)
# Aspect Ratio: 1.78:1
# Number of discs: 2
# Rating:
# Studio: The Disinformation Company
# DVD Release Date: September 30, 2008
# Run Time: 78 minutes
There are few creators in the comic bood industry that are more influential and mysterious than Alan Moore. This is a man whose body of work includes some of the most respected and notorious comic scripts of all time. For almost thirty years, Alan Moore has put his own spin on superheroes and villains, often blurring the lines between what is a traditionally fantastic medium and the tangible world in which we live. Naturally, a man who’s creations have inspired so many is undoubtedly prone to increased attention, exposure to the media and the adoration of fans. For Alan Moore, this has been more of a curse than a blessing.
Perhaps spurned by Hollywood’s unkind treatment of several of his most popular works, Moore has happily regulated himself to be a silent observer to any future film projects that focus on his creations. With his well-chronicled disdain for the film industry intact, it was no less than astonishing when Moore agreed to become involved in a project from fledgling studio Shadowsnake Films and director DeZ Vylenz. Here was a man who was perfectly content with his quiet abode in Northampton, England far away from the film world yet suddenly taking one step firmly onto the silver screen. Vylenz had initially pitched the project to Moore as documentary of both his life and work, while also providing viewers a look into what he called The Mindscape of Alan Moore
What Vylenz, a man whose interest in mysticism parallels Moore’s involvement in the realms of magic, is able to capture is the very essence of the shrouded persona of one of the most brilliant minds in comics. From the start of Mindscape, the stage belongs to Alan Moore. Beginning with his earliest childhood memories, Moore spins the tale of his life and career with such a calm and patient demeanor that you can’t help but to give yourself over completely to his musings. He looks straight at the camera, never wavering, never fumbling his words. Every syllable, every thought is calculated and precise… proving that this modern shaman can play the part of both an skilled orator and wordsmith.
Vylenz further heightens the sense of mysticism in Moore’s words by inter-cutting images, sounds and brief scenes in an attempt to serve as visual translations to the Mindscape. While I found that the intention was to broaden the canvas for both Moore and Vylenz, it tends to be more of a distraction than a benefit to the overall narrative. However, one of the most intriguing elements of Mindscape is Vylenz’s choice to film brief segments of two of Moore’s most famous works; V for Vendetta and Watchmen. Next to the conversation with Moore himself, these are easily the most captivating elements of the film. While these scenes are short, the fact that the director had both the full cooperation and support of Moore when filming these segments truly brings them to life.
The Mindscape of Alan Moore is likely the closest thing you will ever see to a movie having the ‘official’ involvement and endorsement of the man himself. What DeZ Vylenz is able to capture in this movie allows fans a look at the mysticism and literary alchemy that Moore thrives on. Moore will bring you closer into his world, explaining his motivations and pontificating on the future of mankind, our planet and the consciousness all living things. What Moore translates onto the printed page are not the musings of a mere comics writer, they are the writings of a mystic whose compositions are made of the very fabric of human nature.