One of the our most prolific and captivating authors, Neil Gaiman is also one of the nicest people on Earth. I know this firsthand from interviewing him, but now you can find out for yourself, when director Patrick Meaney’s documentary arrives this month. Check below for details on that film, as well as my interview with Gaiman and coverage of Meaney’s past biopic on the equally incredible and affable Grant Morrison.
Neil Gaiman: Dream Dangerously explores the life and times of legendary author Neil Gaiman. We hear Neil’s story in his own words, as well as through interviews and interactions with friends and collaborators like Bill Hader, Michael Sheen, Lenny Henry, Wil Wheaton, Amanda Palmer, Karen Berger, Grant Morrison, Jill Thompson, Kirsten Vangsness, Lev Grossman, Stoya, the late Sir Terry Pratchett, George R.R. Martin, Jonathan Ross, John Barrowman, and Phillip Pullman.
Neil has committed his life to creating meaningful art and telling stories that resonate with audiences. Dream Dangerously explores his love of writing, as well as the inspirations for his most notable stories, all while providing a fly-on-the-wall look at his epic final signing tour.
Neil Gaiman Writes a Final ‘Love Letter to Batman’
Exclusive: Meet Warren Ellis, Profane Comics Muppet
Captured Ghosts Takes Deep Dive Into Warren Ellis’ Mind
AFTER PROBING GRANT Morrison’s deep brain in Talking With Gods, indie director Patrick Meaney dissects the internet Jesus himself in upcoming documentary Warren Ellis: Captured Ghosts.
“I am a messiah,” acclaimed comics writer Ellis cracks. “Ask anyone on the internet.”
Ellis, whose work displays a knack for mad hilarity, merciless action, dark cynicism and incorruptible bravery, is a scathing public wit on camera — much less guarded than Morrison and definitely more animated.
“He’s everything you’d imagine: Funny, dark and cynical, but also a really kind, giving guy,” Meaney told me in an exclusive e-mail interview about the film, which premieres worldwide Sept. 9. “He always says he doesn’t know why we’re doing this movie about him when he’s just ‘a midrange comics writer.’ But I think if you look at the sheer enthusiasm that others have for him, it’s clear that he’s someone unique in the comics world.”
For Trippier Comics Flicks, Hollywood Needs to Turn On to Grant Morrison, Warren Ellis
LIKE ALAN MOORE before them, writers Grant Morrison and Warren Ellis have created challenging and visionary comic books ripe for a Hollywood picking. Too bad Hollywood isn’t ready for them.
“I think the audience is ready for wilder stuff,” the envelope-pushing Morrison (above) told me by phone. “But Hollywood is still mostly dealing in a conservative mindset, so I can’t imagine a Final Crisis film happening anytime within the next 100 years.”