Watch The Initiation Of Alice In Wonderland: The Looking Glass Of Lewis Carroll

The Initiation Of Alice In Wonderland: The Looking Glass Of Lewis Carroll is a 2010 independent film directed by Philip Gardiner. The movie explores the life and work of Lewis Carroll, the author of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking-Glass, and his mysterious relationship with his muse, Alice Liddell. The film follows Alice, played by Julie Dickson-Gardiner, as she embarks on a journey to discover the truth behind Lewis Carroll's famous stories. Alice is a journalist and a student of the esoteric, who is intrigued by the enigmatic and reclusive author. She seeks to unravel the mystery of his life and work, while also confronting her own inner demons.

The movie begins with a voiceover by Alice, who explains her fascination with Lewis Carroll and her desire to uncover the secrets of his mind. She sets out to interview historians, scholars, and experts on Carroll's work, visiting libraries, archives, and museums in search of clues. Along the way, she becomes increasingly obsessed with her subject, blurring the lines between reality and fantasy.

The film intercuts between Alice's journey and dramatizations of key moments in Carroll's life, including his friendship with the Liddell family, his love of photography, and his struggles with mental illness. The actor who portrays Carroll is never seen clearly, suggesting the elusive and ambiguous nature of his persona.

One of the recurring themes in the movie is the idea of initiation, which refers to the process of spiritual awakening and self-discovery. Alice undergoes a series of trials and challenges that test her courage, wisdom, and compassion. She encounters various archetypes, such as the Mad Hatter, the Cheshire Cat, and the Red Queen, who represent different aspects of her psyche.

The film also explores the darker aspects of Carroll's work, such as his fascination with young girls and his controversial photographs. Alice confronts these issues head-on, grappling with the ethics of art and the boundaries of propriety. She also confronts her own past traumas, which are symbolized by a recurring nightmare of drowning.

Throughout the movie, there are numerous references to Lewis Carroll's use of wordplay, symbolism, and nonsense. The dialogue is often cryptic and surreal, echoing the style and tone of the original books. The visual style of the film is equally dreamlike, with distorted perspectives, surreal landscapes, and vivid colors.

The imagery of mirrors and reflections is also prominent in the movie, suggesting the idea of self-reflection and self-knowledge. Alice frequently looks into mirrors, encountering alternate versions of herself or entering parallel worlds. The final scene of the movie culminates in a trippy and symbolic sequence that ties together all the various themes and motifs of the film.

Overall, The Initiation Of Alice In Wonderland: The Looking Glass Of Lewis Carroll is a thought-provoking and visually striking movie that explores the legacy of one of the most iconic literary figures of all time. It blends biography, fantasy, and philosophy in a unique and compelling way, inviting the viewer to embark on their own initiation into the mysteries of the Alice universe.