Two unusual documentaries; one inspired by the paintings of Cy Twombly, and one an interesting portrayal of Rupert Murdoch.

1995 BBC2
Directed by Marc Karlin
50 min

The tactile, abstract canvases of celebrated painter Cy Twombly form the focal point of this unusual artist documentary. The fictional, mysterious M does the looking; reacting initially with rage and frustration, before asking why. Karlin reflects on our changing relationship to art while also considering its significance in our lives, revealing himself in the process. This is an inspiring example of how to challenge the formal, conventional limits of film and TV.

The Serpent

1997 Ch4
Directed by Marc Karlin
40 min

This decidedly bold drama-documentary sees Rupert Murdoch re-imagined as the Dark Prince from Milton’s Paradise Lost. Commuter Michael Deakin drifts off to sleep and dreams of destroying the Prince who has made England ‘a hard, sniggering, resentful, hard shoulder of a place.’ But the voice of reason has other plans, and Deakin himself is implicated in the Prince’s rise to power.

Joint ticket available for Essential Experiments £16, concs £12.50 (Members pay £1.70 less)