Decoding The X-Files

PHOTO (COLOR): DAVID DUCHOVNY

PHOTO (COLOR): GILLIAN ANDERSON

PHOTO (COLOR): CHILDREN OF THE CORN: Down on the biofarm, where all trespassers will be persecuted by black helicopters

FROM THE MINISTER OF PROPAGANDA... NAME: CHRIS CARTER. AGE: 40. MISC.: Former surfing-magazine editor, created 'The X-Files' in 1993, paranormal conspiracy skeptic, trusts no one.

THIS WAS CHRIS Carter's idea for NEWSWEEK's cover shoot: him as master puppeteer with Gillian Anderson and David Duchovny dangling on strings below him. The word "Svengali" has been used to describe his vigorous ego and controlling management style over the "Ministry of Propaganda," as he calls his operation. The man does not suffer from self-esteem issues.