In the Realms of the Unreal (2004)

A strange and oft-times bewildering documentary that offers a glimpse into the life and work of Henry Darger, a man who left the world a staggering amount of literature and art that until his passing only he knew about. The term ‘Life’s Work’ has rarely been so apt.
Only four pictures of Henry are known to exist, so the film uses narration of his written word and animated versions of his bizarre illustrations to tell a story. In doing so it attempts to piece together an image of the man and the concerns that occupied him. It alternates between memoirs and fiction, but there may well be some overlap between the two.
The observations and memories of Henry’s neighbours are contradictory, but so was he, it seems, which adds to the mystery.

3 reclusive mosaics out of 5