The Prisoner
When
15 – 30 Sep 2011
Where
Gallery of Modern Art & Cinema A
About
In conjunction with the Gallery's Surrealism Up Late program the Australian Cinémathèque presents the cult classicThe Prisoner 1967-68. A British television series comprising of seventeen episodes,
The Prisoner was lauded for is combination of espionage and psychological intrigue, allegorical sensibilities and counter cultural themes. Featuring often surreal storylines of hallucinogenic experiences its strong emphasis of individualism versus collectivism resonated strongly with television audiences. The series starred actor and co-creator Patrick McGoohan as 'Number 6', an unnamed high-lever government agent who is kidnapped and imprisoned after his unexpected resignation from the firm. Held at the isolated island community known as 'The Village' the series documents Number 6's repeated attempts to escape and the increasingly extreme interrogation methods employed by his captors as they try to extract the reasons behind his resignation.