Douglas Gordon by Douglas Gordon review – a brave glimpse inside the mind of the Scottish artist

Director Finlay Pretsell's documentary, "Douglas Gordon by Douglas Gordon," presents a departure from conventional artist profiles, opting instead for an "act of art in itself" that delves into the mind of the acclaimed Scottish film and video artist, Douglas Gordon. Rather than a straightforward chronological account replete with dates, exhibitions, and talking heads, Pretsell's film aims to immerse the viewer directly into Gordon's day-to-day creative struggles, offering a raw and often provocative glimpse into his artistic process. The majority of the documentary unfolds within Gordon's expansive warehouse studio in Berlin, a space where he is depicted as a predominantly solitary figure, save for the presence of the film crew.

Gordon, a significant figure in contemporary art known for his innovative use of film and video, is perhaps most widely recognized for "24 Hour Psycho." This seminal work involved presenting Alfred Hitchcock's iconic 1960 thriller at a drastically slowed pace, stretching the entire film over a 24-hour period, thereby fundamentally altering the viewer's perception of time and narrative. Another notable project highlighted is "Zidane: A 21st Century Portrait," a feature-length film co-directed with Philippe Pareno. This ambitious documentary focused on the legendary French footballer Zinedine Zidane, capturing his performance during a single match. Crucially, "Zidane: A 21st Century Portrait" is credited with pioneering the innovative single-player camera technique, a method that has since become a ubiquitous and standard feature in mainstream sports broadcasting, demonstrating Gordon's impact on visual media.

Within the confines of his Berlin studio, Gordon is shown engaging in a series of visually striking and symbolic actions. These include setting objects alight with a miniature blowtorch, smearing himself with silver paint, and performing dynamic movements with a bullwhip. He is also depicted interacting with a large bubble tube, actions that suggest a complex interplay between intense artistic focus, a willingness to experiment with materials and his own body, and perhaps a more playful or introspective side. Throughout the film's running time, Gordon is frequently shown critiquing director Finlay Pretsell, revealing a dynamic and potentially challenging collaborative relationship. This direct engagement with the filmmaking process itself underscores the documentary's commitment to capturing the unfiltered, often turbulent, nature of Gordon's artistic temperament and his ongoing wrestling with the very act of creation. "Douglas Gordon by Douglas Gordon" thus offers a brave and unorthodox portrait, seeking to provide viewers with a profound understanding of the artist's unique vision and the psychological landscape that fuels his impactful work.