In the Realms of the Unreal

Henry Darger "At Jennie Richee, Frustrate Enemy Second Time"

Last night, I finally got around to watching In the Realms of the Unreal - The Mystery of Henry Darger, a film which explores the work and (to an inevitably limited degree) life of the reclusive artist Henry Darger.  Darger was a janitor by day, but spent his free time creating elaborate illustrated stories, collages, and paintings.  Though he had virtually no friends or family, he had a rich and complicated interior life, populated by characters he created, such as the Vivian Girls and other participants in a great war between innocence and evil.  His paintings were further brought to life in the film via animation, a gimmicky but effective enhancement.  When it was over, I was left feeling sad and awestruck.  Darger was a tormented soul who never saw his work shared or appreciated.  And yet I wonder if he would have even cared, as he wasn't painting for an audience.  It is rare to be privy to work which was created only for the creator.  It feels voyeuristic in a way.  But I feel grateful to have glimpsed into a world so replete with fantasy and infused with such passion.