Almost There

Almost There is a heartfelt and poignant documentary that delves into the obscure and astonishing landscape of American outsider art by presenting the riveting story of elderly "outsider" artist Peter Anton.

Peter Anton, the star of the documentary, lives in a dilapidated home in East Chicago, and at his advanced age, he's still fiercely committed to his art. He executes his exuberant and intricate drawings and paintings with a childlike enthusiasm but also with the maturity of his years. Anton's pieces, often autobiographical in nature, are filled with vivid colors and detail and exhibit an undying spirit of creativity. His passion and resilience form the crux of the film, providing a glimpse into the world of older artists still engaged in the creative process.

However, the story extends beyond just art. Co-directors and producers Dan Rybicky and Aaron Wickenden delve deeply into Anton's life, portraying the man behind the art in his unfiltered, often gritty reality. Over the span of eight years, the documentary tracks Anton's life in a poor neighborhood, grappling with his decaying health and home, and with his past. Uniquely presented as a labor of love, the film is at once an exploration of the hidden facets of outsider art and a moving character study of a man's life in the twilight years.

Elderly and neglected, Anton, despite his hardships, becomes a symbol of resilience and unwavering spirit. His story captures the struggle between neglect and respect faced by aging artists in the fast-paced modern world. It's a meditation on aging, artistic obsession, and the disparity between an artist's reduced circumstances and the vibrant world he creates with his paintings.

Almost There refers not only to Anton’s artistic endeavors but also to the frailty of life itself. Beneath the lively colors and intricate details of his art lies a bittersweet story of an aging artist. The audience is invited to reflect on the human capacity to create and keep pursuing passions despite life's challenges.

The documentary also explores themes of connection and disconnection as the two filmmakers find themselves becoming a part of the story they initially set out to capture. This adds a layer of complexity to the film, serving not only as a discovery of an extraordinary artist but also of the relationship that develops between the artist and the individuals who set out to reveal his world. The ethical issues surrounding documentary filmmaking are subtly yet profoundly presented as their initial role of passive documentarians morphs into involved participants in Anton's life.

Almost There masterfully blends the gritty realities of life with the euphoria of art in a potent mix that shifts between melancholia and joy, life and art. The documentary also serves as a striking critique of societal attitudes towards the elderly and the oft-overlooked underground world of outsider art. It sheds light on the celebration of individualism, the power of creativity, and the resilience of the human spirit.

Overall, Almost There from 2014 is more than just a film about an elderly artist. It's a potent exploration of art, life, and the boundaries of ethical documentary filmmaking. Through the complex, colorful life of Peter Anton, viewers experience a range of emotions and themes, making the film a deeply impactful watch. As you delve into Anton’s world, you delve into the universal experiences of aging, the creative process, and the inherent human desire for connection and understanding.