Story perspectives

Douglas Gordon Documentary Premieres at Edinburgh Film Festival

8/17/2026

Summary

Story summary

The documentary “Douglas Gordon by Douglas Gordon”, by Finlay Pretsell, premiered at the Edinburgh International Film Festival.
It profiles Turner Prize-winning artist Douglas Gordon, whose works include “24 Hour Psycho” and “Zidane: A 21st Century Portrait”.
In his Berlin studio Gordon uses a blowtorch, silver paint and a bullwhip while berating Pretsell.
Pretsell recorded Gordon’s confessional COVID conversations, which he says became essential to the film’s structure, enabling Gordon’s ambiguous performance to emerge, challenging viewers.

History

Historical Context

Since its 1984 launch, the Turner Prize—originally offering £25,000 and later £40,000 (2004-07)—has propelled the Young British Artists, whose 1990s dominance reshaped London’s art market. The prize’s ongoing prestige, administered by Tate Britain, now frames Finlay Pretsell’s documentary on winner Douglas Gordon at the Edinburgh International Film Festival, highlighting the award’s lasting influence on contemporary practice.

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Story summary

The documentary “Douglas Gordon by Douglas Gordon”, by Finlay Pretsell, premiered at the Edinburgh International Film Festival.
It profiles Turner Prize-winning artist Douglas Gordon, whose works include “24 Hour Psycho” and “Zidane: A 21st Century Portrait”.
In his Berlin studio Gordon uses a blowtorch, silver paint and a bullwhip while berating Pretsell.
Pretsell recorded Gordon’s confessional COVID conversations, which he says became essential to the film’s structure, enabling Gordon’s ambiguous performance to emerge, challenging viewers.

1 / 2