Watch In a Dream

In a Dream is a powerful and haunting documentary that explores the life and work of artist and muralist Isaiah Zagar. The film, which was released in 2008, follows Zagar and his family as they navigate through both the triumphs and tragedies of his career, his personal life and mental health issues. The documentary is directed by Zagar's son, Jeremiah, who sets out to understand his father's motivations and demons. The film is at once a beautiful tribute to a man who has devoted his life to creating art, and a meditation on family, love, and the challenges that come with them.

Isaiah Zagar is a deeply creative man who has dedicated himself to making art out of the discarded and forgotten fragments of everyday life. He is best known for his intricate, mosaic-like murals that adorn buildings throughout Philadelphia. His pieces are constructed from a variety of materials, such as tiles, mirrors, and found objects, and are often steeped in personal meaning and symbolism.

Over the course of the film, we get to know Zagar as a complex and multi-faceted individual. He is driven by an intense desire to create, but also struggles with mental health issues that threaten to derail his career and his relationships. We see him grappling with episodes of mania and depression, and witness the toll that these have taken on his family.

The film also delves into Zagar's relationship with his wife, Julia. The two met in the 1960s, when they were both young, idealistic artists living in New York City. They married and moved to Philadelphia, where they raised a family and worked together on a variety of projects. However, as the years went on, their relationship became strained, and they eventually separated.

Throughout the film, we see Zagar and Julia trying to navigate their complicated relationship. They are clearly still deeply in love, but also have lingering resentments and bitter memories. Their interactions are often poignant and bittersweet, and give the film a deeply emotional resonance.

In addition to Isaiah and Julia, the film also features appearances by their two sons, Ezekiel and Jeremiah. The two boys grew up steeped in their parents' art and activism, and have gone on to forge their own paths in the creative world. Ezekiel is a successful musician, while Jeremiah has followed in his father's footsteps as a visual artist.

The film is beautifully shot, with lush colors and striking visuals that capture both the vibrancy of Zagar's art and the gritty reality of his surroundings. The editing is brisk and energetic, with a poetic quality that gives the film a dreamlike quality.

Overall, In a Dream is a powerful and moving documentary that explores the complexities of art, family, and mental health. It is a deeply personal film that lays bare the joys and struggles of one man's creative journey, and is sure to leave a lasting impression on anyone who sees it.

In a Dream is a 2008 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 20 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.2.