Struggle: The Life and Lost Art of Szukalski (2018)

In a symphony of forgotten Betamax footage, Struggle: The Life and Lost Art of Szukalski (2018) paints an intriguing canvas of Polish-American artist Stanislav Szukalski's (1893-1987) life, journey, and profound impact on the art world. Orchestrated by art enthusiast Glenn Bray, this documentary captures the twilight years of Szukalski's life, his fiery passion for art, and his resilient spirit. Bray's chance encounter with an expressionist drawing in 1971 led him to Szukalski, living in quiet obscurity only a few miles away in Burbank, California. Unveiling the artist's past, Bray discovers that Szukalski’s humble existence belies a legacy as a renowned avant-garde artist in Chicago and pre-war Poland, whose influence reverberates through the annals of art history. Szukalski's artistry was not confined to canvas and paper. He breathed life into an all-encompassing mythology through his art and an extensive manuscript. Upon his return to the United States, Szukalski became the nucleus of an eclectic group of artists and art lovers, including George DiCaprio and his son Leonardo, who joined forces to produce this documentary. As the film peels back the layers of Szukalski's life, it reveals not only his artistic genius but also his indomitable spirit, having lost almost all his artwork in the Second World War. Yet, the narrative takes a shadowy turn as the filmmakers stumble upon a dark chapter of Szukalski's past during the documentary's production. Struggle: The Life and Lost Art of Szukalski invites viewers on a mesmerizing journey through the labyrinth of Szukalski's life. From his early years in Chicago, his time in Poland and Los Angeles, to his artistic and political contributions, this documentary chronicles the extraordinary tale of a man destined for greatness, yet marked by struggle and loss. This poignant exploration of Szukalski's life is as captivating as it is thought-provoking, offering a deeper understanding of the man behind the art and the art behind the man.

Struggle: The Life and Lost Art of Szukalski is a documentary movie featuring Stanislaw Szukalski and directed by Irek Dobrowolski.

Struggle: The Life and Lost Art of Szukalski is currently streaming on Netflix and Netflix basic with Ads.