Watch Barbaric Genius

Barbaric Genius is a 2011 documentary film that tells the story of the controversial Irish artist and writer, John Healy. Directed by Paul Duane, the film features interviews with Healy's friends, family, and acquaintances, as well as footage of the man himself. John Healy was born in London in 1943 to Irish immigrant parents. He moved to Ireland in 1978 and quickly gained notoriety for his writing and his art. Healy's work is described as brutal, raw, and fiercely honest, and he is best known for his autobiography, The Grass Arena, which recounts his time as a homeless alcoholic and his eventual rehabilitation through playing chess.

Barbaric Genius explores Healy's life and work, from his early years in London to his rise to fame in Ireland. The film takes a deep dive into Healy's psyche, examining his art and writing through the lens of his personal experiences.

One of the themes that emerges from the film is the idea that Healy's work is an attempt to exorcise his own demons. Healy grew up in poverty and was frequently the victim of violence. He spent time in prison and struggled with alcoholism and homelessness for much of his life. Many of his paintings and stories are violent and disturbing, and the film suggests that this is a reflection of the trauma he experienced.

Despite the darkness of his subject matter, Healy is a compelling and charismatic figure. His friends and family describe him as warm, funny, and endlessly creative. Healy himself is charming and articulate, with a striking intensity that is reflected in his work.

The film also explores Healy's relationships with other artists and writers. He was a frequent collaborator with the controversial writer and thinker, Frank Rynne, and the two men are shown in the film engaging in heated debates about the role of art in society. Healy was also close with the writer Brendan Behan, who is credited with inspiring him to write The Grass Arena.

Throughout his life, Healy struggled with the tension between his creative impulses and his need to make a living. The film portrays him as a fiercely independent and uncompromising artist, which sometimes put him at odds with the more commercial aspects of the art world. Healy was known for selling his paintings to collectors for relatively low prices, which resulted in some resentment from other artists who felt that he was undervaluing his work.

Barbaric Genius is a fascinating portrait of a complex and enigmatic artist. Healy's work is seen as deeply personal and cathartic, but also as a reflection of the larger societal issues that he grappled with throughout his life. The film is a testament to the power of art to both heal and communicate, and to the deeply human need to make sense of our own experiences.

In conclusion, Barbaric Genius is a powerful and thought-provoking documentary that gives audiences a glimpse into the life of one of Ireland's most fascinating and controversial artists. The film is a testament to the power of creativity in the face of adversity, and a reminder that the most compelling artwork often comes from the darkest places.

Barbaric Genius is a 2011 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 14 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.9.