Alex Cox (1) (1954–)

THE PRISONER was ground breaking TV from the late 60's I was fortunate enough to see as a kid--probably thanks to PBS where I also found Monty Python--both equally influenced the "adult" I turned into. Mind blowing show about mind control vs the individual among other things that seemed to stand outside of everything else being produced as entertainment at the time. This solid synopsis of the show and "decoding" of what was going on held my attention because I've been a fan for nearly 5 show more decades--and that has only compounded with interest over time. There are other books that the author even recommends for a fuller presentation of what was going on in and around the show--but this was meant as a personal view of what the show was trying to say and the mysteries it never quite revealed. On that level it was interesting if unexceptional. But why are you reading this when you should be running out to find access to this 17 episode show that may still be ahead of it's time. Stay away from the more recent reimagining of the series produced in 2009--they appear to have watched an episode or two of the original and then read 50 pages of THE HANDMAID'S TALE and started drinking. show less

Cox is a very funny and self-deprecating writer and speaker, as those who saw Moviedrome will remember. This book covers the scripting, production and release of each of his films in turn (missing his Alan Smithee film, The Winner). For those who are familiar with his career, it's fascinating to hear how they came to be. My only serious gripe is the scope of the book. Since it only covers the films that got made, there are large gaps in the coverage of Cox's career and some stories, like his show more involvement in Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, would be interesting to hear from his perspective. Possibly there are legal reasons why that tale is missing, though. show less

I was dubious throughout the book that any great revelations were coming, but his thesis about the series does make good, new sense.

2022 movie #123. 1984. Young punk works as a repo man. Everybody in LA is looking for a Chevy Malibu for a $20K reward. There's some sort of radioactive menace in the trunk. Considering the premise and the low budget, this is a very entertaining film. Watch for the generic food.