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Marilyn Manson to play Lewis Carroll

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Children's stories might not be the first thing one would associate with shock rocker Marilyn Manson, but the self-styled demon of the pop charts is planning to reinvent himself as Alice In Wonderland author Lewis Carroll by starring in a new movie about the legendary writer.

The film won't share many of the charming characteristics of the writer's stories, though, as Marilyn, whose real name is Brian Warner, is cooking up a dark interpretation of his life and times. Many literary historians believe Carroll, who has become one of the world's most influential children's authors, was molested during his childhood and went on to struggle with abusive urges himself.

America's king of gothic rock, who is also planning to direct Phantasmagoria – The Visions Of Lewis Carroll, has spent the last year working on costumes and make-up for the flick. The 36-year-old already has some experience of filmmaking, having taken charge of several of his own music videos. With a budget of $4.5 million, his latest production represents a rather more ambitious venture, however.The 6ft 1in singer will be jetting into the German capital of Berlin next week in an effort to secure backing for the movie at the city's annual film festival. "He didn't want to wait for Cannes, he's ready now," explained producer Alain de la Mata. "What people expect from Manson, they're going to get here."

Photo: © Alphapress.com
Marilyn Manson, or Brian Warner as his friends know him, has enjoyed consistent chart success on both sides of the Atlantic. His foray into movie making will be a scary interpretation of the life of Lewis Carroll
Photo: © Alphapress.com
One of the world's most celebrated children's authors, Lewis Carroll counted Queen Victoria among his fansPhoto: © AFP