Struggle: The Life and Lost Art of Szukalski

Loved this documentary. I always like seeing the hidden messages in movies and documentaries and this was full of gems. If you can go beyond some of the subtle dogma in the film (where it gets into the whole anti-Semitic stuff that got brought up from a judgmental point of view, showing the film-maker's bias rather than just reporting on what happened as a slice of life and letting the viewers form their own opinions about it - which really wasn't necessary and probably the only thing that took away from the film), perhaps one of the best things that can be learned from watching came from what Szulalski had to say about sourcing your own unique genius in the world. . . don't listen to anyone else or model your life off of what someone else has already done, but rather discover the answers inside of yourself. The guy was a brilliant thinker . . .kind of reminded me a little of Buckminster Fuller in a way. We can see it led to a very challenging life as portrayed in the film (but then again, whose life isn't challenging in this regard and considering this - why not go for making the biggest bold statement as possible in the world). Definitely worth a watch.

Inspiring documentary! I'm usually not drawn to art or history docs but this was so well done that I'm now looking for other information on Szukalski. Beautiful & tragic. Thank you for documenting his story and sharing it.

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

This is a multilayered documentary; it's a story of a brilliant artist but also of complexity of human nature and how it transforms if exposed to different events. Szukalski is no doubt a great artist but he is a human foremost with all the vices and virtues, a very interesting human with amazing imagination and very unusual outlook on life and all its aspects. I like the way the focus shifted from lighthearted narrating in the beginning to more serious aspects of life and its meanders in later stages of the movie followed by a very moving end. It is definitely worth watching.

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.