Taking a unique approach for this feature documentary about the acclaimed and much-loved artist Graham Humphreys, director Chris Collier allows his subject to do most of the talking.
Aside from film clips and images, the whole thing almost exclusively takes place in Graham’s study, with the placement of the comfy chairs shifting to keep the visuals exciting. The ‘conversation’ of the title draws in several people who either have been important to Graham’s work or are close friends. This allows for a laid-back discussion on how he got into the business, his influences, and his techniques. Rather than having a proliferation of the same old talking heads, we get a deeper understanding of what makes Graham tick as well as what draws people into his world.
Plenty of people will relate to the things that sparked his passions. This writer started his horror journey in almost exactly the same way: Denis Gifford’s Pictorial History of Horror Movies and the BBC double-bills. Several of the people we see chat with the artist, such as Reece Shearsmith, reveal a similar origin for their love of the genre. There’s also the passion for punk rock, particularly the band The Damned, with whom Graham has been lucky enough to work several times. However, rather than bombard the viewer with facts and anecdotes, Collier’s technique brings the revelations to the fore organically.
There are moments of pause that suggest a self-consciousness on the part of the subject, as if he’s uneasy about being the focus of such attention. It comes across as endearing rather than awkward, though, as the conversational format makes the viewer feel as though they’re sat in the room with subjects, and the warmth of the chatter makes it less eavesdropping and more inclusive.
It’s a warmly engaging portrait of a man whose work has impressed us all for many years and has played a significant role in shaping the British horror fan’s love of the genre. From that first poster for The Evil Dead to the covers he’s provided for STARBURST, Graham’s work is synonymous with horror and instantly recognisable. He is, without doubt, our Drew Struzan and a national treasure.
CAPTURED SOULS: IN CONVERSATION WITH GRAHAM HUMPHREYS screened at FrightFest on August 24th.
