IN A DREAM — ★★★ — Documentary feature about mosaic artist Isaiah Zagar; not rated, probable R (vulgarity, nudity, profanity, sex, drugs); Tower Theatre
Artist Isaiah Zagar has spent more than 40 years collecting shards of ceramics, mirrors and other hard surfaces to create autobiographical mosaic murals on the sides and walls of abandoned buildings throughout the Greater Philadelphia area.
His son, filmmaker Jeremiah Zagar, collected several decades' worth of photos, home movies and notebook sketches — as well as more recent interview segments — to create a biographical mosaic of sorts, a documentary titled "In a Dream."
In it, the younger Zagar examines his complicated family relationships and tries to profile his artist father.
However, his piecemeal assembly approach is not always successful. When it works, it's well. When it doesn't, it seems unfocused and nearly loses our interest.
As the film notes, Isaiah Zagar nearly didn't have an art career or a family life. He was hospitalized in the mid-1960s after he tried to do himself some serious harm.
But when he emerged, he seemed to be cured and had renewed purpose. He fathered his first child, Zeke, with his long-suffering partner, Julia. And he began turning his sketches into murals.
However, his single-mindedness — when it came to his artistic endeavors — also had dire consequences for his marriage.
And unfortunately, he may have passed along his mental illness to his son, Zeke, who is seen going through his own hospitalization and treatment.
Since he is the son of his main subjects, Jeremiah Zagar had seemingly unrestricted access to materials. He's also unflinching when it comes to showing those same subjects in harsh or unflattering light.
(For those interested in learning more in the Zagars' story, the filmmaker will be in Salt Lake City for post-screening discussions May 7 and 8.)
"In a Dream" is not rated but would probably receive an R for frank sexual discussions (including discussions of child sexual abuse), nude photos and artwork (some featuring full male and female nudity), scattered strong profanity, some sexually suggestive imagery, and drug references (narcotics and prescription medicines). Running time: 78 minutes.
E-mail: jeff@desnews.com