Struggle: The Life and Lost Art of Szukalski

This doco left me in a unusual mood after viewing. Not quite sure what the mood is. I only just finished it. Rarely do i just watch something these days without looking up abit about it before jumping in. But the short netflix preview piqued my interested enough that i just started it right then and there. Im really glad i did. As someone who gave up art around 10 years ago and is trying to find a rhythm to get back into it again, i found this quite inspiring. That masters like this live among us, unnoticed by the masses. Is humbling and fascinating.

You sometimes come by a curious documentary where you wonder: Who is that? What is this about? Do I want to watch it? Will it be worth my time? Or maybe you just take a look here on imdb and you're like, let's give it a shot. And you discover a man who's quite out there. Very crazy, very discomforting and someone you will most likely hate too ... but that's the deal, right? Whatever you think of him, he did it his way.

And it couldn't have been that wrong, having a documentary out now. And a really insightful and good one at that. Many interviews, many soundbites and a lot of fun with quite a bit of controversy mixed in for good measure. Not everything he said will play well with audiences ... but that's just how it is

Who knew? I definitely did not. A hidden gem of a man. A mind free of influence. One who was allowed to do whatever he wanted. He followed his heart and passion. He learned as he went along in art and life. Big thank you to DiCaprio Sr. and Jr. Perhaps movie about Enigma/Rejewski next? Hint.

Having never heard of Szulkalski I was interested when I saw the title. Since life's struggles often produce art of note it seemed worth a look...especially with the word "lost" in the title. I'd say the man and the film was quite engrossing as was the breadth of his other worldly art. It was obvious in short order this was a singular artist who wouldn't accept other men's conventions. His life was like multiple lives with the constants of heart wrenching struggles and a period of great success and adulation. Post War World II he was forgotten never to reach the heights of his greatness in the mid to late thirties in his homeland. Throughout his anonymity he soldiered on in creating unconventional art and thinking. Integral to the film he was discovered by a young artist who become like a son to him whose guides the film in a highly personal way. Szukalski is re-introduced to a cadre of other, mostly avant garde, artists who provide insightful observations and counterpoints. Along with the extraordinary art it makes for an entertaining watch while helping to elevate the work of Szukalski. The man was not just amazingly talented, but a strong survivor who grew in his humanity while never being conventional. Apparently he was a friend of Leonardo DiCaprio's father and this proved to be key in the funding and creation of this documentary. There will be plenty who see his art in a lesser way to be sure, but the fact is this is a singularly unique person whose journey was very interesting and well presented. I think it will appeal to many viewers as such and is a nice elevation of a man who would otherwise be a forgotten but hugely talented artist.

How many miles most a man walk form his past before he is forgiven? People grow and chang as they grow. Grow up.