How to Make a Pearl

How to Make a Pearl is an intriguing drama-documentary, released in 2017 that revolves around the equally captivating life of John Kapellas. One of the admirable things about this less than half an hour long movie is the way it wonderfully crafts an exceptional narrative blending the trials, tribulations, resilience, survival, and artistic endeavors of John Kapellas together.

The film starts with the black and white clips emerging out of darkness portraying John Kapellas’ silhouette, which unequivocally sets the theme of this moving artistic venture. The movie introduces us to Person-centered actor and talented dancer, John Kapellas, who holds a profound journey of survival and unending endurance.

Directed by Jason Hanasik, the film broadens its spectrum by delving deeper into Kapellas’ personal life and his struggle with HIV Aids. The film highlights John Kapellas as not just the dancing virtuoso but also the modern Prometheus, revealing his confrontation with a harrowing medical condition that forces him into spending a considerable part of his life in the dark, literally and metaphorically.

Just when John Kapellas, a vibrant man full of life and dance, was at the peak of his career, his life took an unexpected turn knocking him down with the diagnosis of HIV/AIDS. However, the real, more excruciating challenge came when John had to undergo a radical change in his lifestyle. He developed the rare condition of extreme sensitivity to light, known as photosensitivity, as a sidelight of HIV drug treatment. In a nightmarish turn of events, he was restricted within the boundaries of his apartment, away from bright light, for more than a decade. This condition left him shackled in darkness, isolating him from the lively nature of human existence that he used to enjoy.

However, this was not the end for John. Overcoming the tremendous change in his life, Kapellas found solace in the art of creation. His experience of isolation and living in the shadows materialized into artistic expressions that played a significant role in helping him survive through the darkness. He started indulging in making art using the materials available to him in his light-sensitive condition. It was through his art and his imagination that John Kapellas created his own universe within the confinement of his apartment.

One of the highlights of the movie is the director Hanasik's brilliant execution of the subject matter that renders color to Kapellas' life inspite of it being engulfed in darkness. Hanasik neatly incorporates Kapellas’ brilliant and handmade light installations, his assemblages, and paper collages into the film, providing audiences with a glimpse into John's creative process and his therapy within the darkness. The film incredibly showcases how John Kapellas transforms his personal experience into ephemeral art that exudes colors from the monochrome life enforced upon him.

Juxtaposing Kapellas' past life, his current existence, and his artwork, the director weaves a narrative that goes beyond depicting John's personal struggle. It stares directly into broader themes of existence, survival, human spirit, and art's therapeutic qualities. The film, rather than focusing on his life’s adversity and affliction, gives viewers a picture of John’s incandescent spirit and unyielding determination.

The film creates a powerful narrative full of contrasting elements. The movie juxtaposes a dance form full of life with a condition that confines a person into a world devoid of light. It brings together the ideas of isolation and creation, struggle, and art, presenting an enthralling narrative of resilience and determination.

A separate mention is deserved by Daniel Bowen’s music in the film, which is both haunting and invigorating, resonating perfectly with the visuals presented on the screen. It helps bring out John's odyssey in a touching and poignant manner, enhancing the overall viewing experience.

In summary, How to Make a Pearl is a meticulously woven tale of survival and resilience. It celebrates art, bringing to light how it can serve as a beacon in the darkest tunnels of life. It is a poignant journey that beautifully explores and exhibits the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity. This documentary attempts to portray the tenacity of life and the immense power of human spirit and determination, making it a must-watch movie.