IN MY MIND

released OUT NOW! 2017 | e | Blu-ray Director Chris rodley Interviewees Patrick McGoohan, Catherine McGoohan, lewis Greifer, lew Grade

What do we want?

Information! Fifty years after The Prisoner boggled the minds of a nation, this documentary looks back at an attempt to get some answers out of Patrick McGoohan, creator of the surreal, metaphorical TV show about a retired spy whisked away to a mysterious village.

In 1983, inexperienced filmmaker Chris Rodley snagged a commission from Channel 4 to interview the actor for documentary Six Into One: The Prisoner File. McGoohan was so unhappy with the first attempt that he insisted on a do-over. That previously unseen footage is the chief selling point here, as Rodley retraces a trip to LA and recalls his dealings with the recalcitrant, retiring star. Sadly, it’s so bland (and poorly composed) that McGoohan’s judgement is vindicated. Glimpses of him tetchily calling the shots are more revealing.

Fortunately take two was an improvement, presenting a more open, avuncular McGoohan. And supporting material – a 1977 Canadian TV interview; home movie footage of the series filming; a new interview with McGoohan’s daughter, Catherine; production design images – fills the gaps to tell the story properly. Third time’s the charm, then.

Extras An outtake from the ’80s interviews; Catherine McGoohan interview. Ian Berriman