Watch Herman's House

Herman's House is a 2012 documentary film directed by Angad Singh Bhalla. The film follows the story of Herman Wallace, a man who has been held in solitary confinement for over 40 years. The film explores the impact of Wallace's imprisonment on his life, as well as the unique bond that he forms with artist and activist Jackie Sumell.

Throughout the film, Sumell and Wallace discuss the design of the fictional house that Sumell is working on for Wallace. The house is a representation of Wallace's dream of one day being released from prison and starting a new life in a real home. The film explores the themes of creativity, hope, and the power of art to effect change.

At the heart of the film is the relationship between Wallace and Sumell. The two first met when Sumell was a graduate student studying design. She was looking for a way to create art that would draw attention to the issue of solitary confinement. She found inspiration in Wallace's story, and the two began a correspondence that quickly blossomed into a deep friendship.

The film shows the evolution of their relationship over the years, as Sumell works tirelessly to design a house that reflects Wallace's hopes and dreams. The house becomes a symbol of the possibility of freedom, and the film explores the ways in which the power of imagination can help us to transcend even the most difficult circumstances.

In addition to exploring the relationship between Sumell and Wallace, Herman's House delves into the larger issues surrounding solitary confinement. The film interviews experts in the field, as well as former prisoners who have experienced solitary confinement themselves. Through these interviews, the film provides a nuanced look at the impact of this practice on prisoners and their families.

One of the most powerful aspects of the film is its use of art to tell Wallace's story. Sumell's design for the house is both beautiful and haunting, and it serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of solitary confinement. The house is also a testament to the power of creativity to inspire change, as Sumell's design has inspired countless individuals to take action on behalf of Wallace and others like him.

Overall, Herman's House is a moving and thought-provoking film that shines a light on the cruelty of solitary confinement, while also celebrating the resilience of the human spirit. The film's themes of creativity, hope, and the power of imagination make it a must-see for anyone interested in the transformative power of art.

Herman's House is a 2013 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 20 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.3 and a MetaScore of 73.