“In a Dream” – a film by Jeremiah Zagar

Synopsis: Over the past four decades, Isaiah Zagar has covered more than 50,000 square feet of Philadelphia with stunning mosaic murals. In A Dream is a documentary feature film that chronicles his work and his tumultuous relationship with his wife, Julia. It follows the Zagars as their marriage implodes and a harrowing new chapter in their life unfolds.

Theatrical Trailer

We live in a world of reality TV. The cast of characters in this movie – a Philadelphia artist, his wife, and two sons – expose their lives in disturbing detail: attempted suicide, addiction, infidelity, breakups, and reconciliations.

It is the account of a son who knows his father is a great person and wants to chronicle his life, and in doing so comes to terms with the emotional and physical chaos in which he grew up.

It is a love story between Isaiah and Julia who came of age in the 60s countercultural revolution and lived a life true to its beliefs.

It is an insight into the mind of a man who confronts his inner demons through his artwork.

This film is not about mosaics or mosaic making. Zagar is not a “mosaic artist” but an artist who uses mosaic as a vehicle to express himself. And his mosaics are the perfect metaphor for his life. Up close the pieces are fragmented, spaced far apart in a slipshod manner, confused, and ugly. But just stand back. Stand back and everything comes together with incredible clarity and beauty. These mosaics are larger than life.

This film a story of the human condition – our story – of passion, liberation, harm, hurt, loss, expression, and redemption.

Rock on!

-Bill Buckingham

• “In a Dream” website
• Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens – home to Zagar’s work
• Wikipedia on Zagar

 

Photos via “In A Dream” Facebook Page