The Making of Monster

In The Making of Monster, Douglas Gordon employs strips of transparent adhesive tape to transform his face into a grotesque representation. This performance is set against a mirror, enhancing the exploration of personal self-reflection—both the good and the evil aspects of identity.

The film draws explicit connections to notable works such as Mamoulian’s Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde and the iconic mirror scene from Scorsese’s Taxi Driver, where Robert De Niro famously queries, "You looking at me?" This intertextuality enriches the viewing experience, inviting contemplation of the alter-ego and the complexities of the self.

Gordon's distinctive style in The Making of Monster reflects his ongoing interest in the physicality of the body and the psychological dimensions of performance art. As a piece that combines visual art and film, it stands out for its provocative approach to the medium and its commentary on human nature.