Watch Struggle: The Life and Lost Art of Szukalski

Struggle: The Life and Lost Art of Szukalski is a mesmerizing documentary film from 2018 that takes the audience on a journey through the life and work of an eccentric and controversial Polish artist named Stanislav Szukalski. Directed by Ireneusz Dobrowolski, the film features interviews with Szukalski himself, as well as with his loyal friend Glenn Bray and several of his admirers, including Robert Williams.

The film begins by introducing us to Szukalski, a remarkable figure who is often described as a genius, a visionary and a madman. We learn that he was born in 1893 in Warta, Poland, and that he started drawing at a very young age. At the age of 18, he moved to Krakow to attend the Academy of Fine Arts, and later to Vienna, where he became part of the Expressionist movement. Szukalski's early work is characterized by its bold, angular lines, and its fascination with the human form.

The film then moves on to explore Szukalski's later work, which is dominated by his obsession with ancient civilizations and lost continents. Szukalski was convinced that the human race had once been far more advanced than it was now, and that our ancestors had left behind vast amounts of knowledge and technology that we could still tap into. He spent decades researching this theory, which he called "Zermatism", and producing elaborate drawings and sculptures that depicted ancient gods, heroes and monsters.

As the film progresses, we see Szukalski's star rise and fall. In the 1920s and 30s, he was considered one of Poland's greatest artists, and his work was exhibited all over Europe. He even had a brief stint in Hollywood, where he designed sets for the film industry. However, as Europe descended into war and chaos, Szukalski's fortunes took a turn for the worse. His work fell out of favor with the art establishment, and he struggled to make a living.

The film also delves into Szukalski's personal life, which is just as colorful as his art. He was a deeply complicated man, with a quick temper and a sharp tongue. He could be cruel and vindictive to those who crossed him, but also fiercely loyal to his friends. He was also deeply scarred by the trauma of World War II, in which he lost many friends and family members. In one heartbreaking scene, he recalls how he watched helplessly as his beloved hometown of Warta was destroyed by German bombs.

Despite all the obstacles he faced, Szukalski never stopped creating. He continued to produce remarkable drawings and sculptures well into his old age, even as his sight began to fail him. The film ends on a bittersweet note, with Szukalski's death in 1987 at the age of 93. His legacy, however, lives on, thanks in large part to the efforts of Bray, who has spent decades promoting Szukalski's work and ensuring that it will be remembered for generations to come.

Overall, Struggle: The Life and Lost Art of Szukalski is a powerful and thought-provoking film that sheds light on the life and work of a truly unique artist. Through interviews with those who knew him best, as well as an array of stunning visuals of his art, the film captures the complexity and contradictions of Szukalski's character, as well as his creative genius. It is a moving tribute to a man who never stopped struggling for his art, even in the face of adversity.

Struggle: The Life and Lost Art of Szukalski is a 2018 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 45 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.9.