Watch Grant Morrison: Talking with Gods

Grant Morrison is one of the most influential and unconventional comic book writers in history, with a body of work that includes "Batman," "Superman," "X-Men," "The Invisibles," and "The Filth." Morrison's stories often explore themes of surrealism, the occult, and human consciousness, and have earned him fans and critics alike. "Grant Morrison: Talking with Gods" is a documentary film that explores the life and work of Morrison, taking viewers on a journey through his early influences, his rise to prominence, and his struggles with personal demons. Through interviews with Morrison himself, as well as his friends, collaborators, and fans, the film offers a deep dive into the mind of this enigmatic figure.

The film begins with Morrison's childhood in Scotland, where he was raised by his grandparents and first discovered the power of storytelling through folk tales and legends. As a teenager, Morrison became fascinated with the counterculture movement of the 1960s and experimented with drugs and mysticism.

Throughout the film, Morrison discusses his creative process and shares insights into his most famous works. He explains how he reimagined Batman as a paranoid schizophrenic in "Arkham Asylum," how he infused "The Invisibles" with his experiences of encountering entities from other dimensions, and how he broke the fourth wall in "Animal Man" to challenge the conventions of comic books.

The film also explores Morrison's unique approach to philosophy and spirituality, which he incorporates into his writing. Morrison describes his belief in the power of imagination, and how the act of creating art can manifest reality. He speaks of his fascination with chaos magic, a form of occultism that emphasizes practical results over dogma or tradition.

But "Grant Morrison: Talking with Gods" is more than just a celebration of Morrison's work. The film also delves into the darker aspects of his life, such as his struggles with addiction and depression. Morrison speaks candidly about his experiences with alcohol and drugs, and how they have influenced his writing.

The documentary also covers the controversy surrounding Morrison's work, particularly his portrayal of sexuality and violence. Some fans have accused Morrison of promoting a misogynistic or violent worldview, while others see his work as a subversion of traditional comic book tropes.

Throughout the film, Morrison is joined by a cast of fellow creators, including comic book writers Jason Aaron and Warren Ellis, filmmaker Douglas Rushkoff, and musician Rob Zombie. These voices provide context and insight into Morrison's work, and help to paint a complete picture of the man behind the comics.

At its core, "Grant Morrison: Talking with Gods" is a love letter to the power of imagination and the importance of artistic expression. Whether you're a die-hard Morrison fan or just curious about the creative process, this documentary offers a fascinating glimpse into one of the most original and influential minds in comic book history.

Grant Morrison: Talking with Gods is a 2010 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 20 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.7.