Review of Marwencol (2010) by Eric R — 02 May 2011

Odd but slightly special documentary about a man, Mark Hogancamp, who was brutally assaulted by five men one evening after an outing at a bar where some of his assertions (obviously) made some manly men feel uneasy.

This story is fascinating and most definitely falls into that "stranger than fiction" category as Hogancamp was left for dead on some side street in Kingston, New York. When he was found and taken to a hospital, the doctors soon found out that he had been beaten so badly that his brain was severly damaged, his face required reconstructive surgery and he was in a 9 day coma.

Hogancamp had to learn how to walk and read and write all over again ... but when his insurance dried up he was released out into the world as is (thank goodness for family and his few close friends).

Putting a positive spin on this story, Hogancamp built a small Alpine town in his own yard (!) and filled it with denizens surrounding his own alter ego -- a heroic military man. Using various 11-inch tall dolls (male and female -- like GI Joes and Barbies), he populates his town with brave American soldiers and beautiful women.

He also has a troop of SS officers (more dolls) simply dying to find this fictional town of Marwencol (concocted from names he knows) to raise all kinds of havoc, get drunk and have their way with the women.

Marwencol becomes Hogancamp's therapy as his soldier alter goes through stories that have paralleled his own ... and Hogancamp takes out his frustrations and worries on his little town and its citizens.

It is a marvelously fantastical little story within a sad story. And that is what Marwencol is ... there is a truly sad story at the heart of it; but it is stunning and inspiring as his work (he photographs everything) is discovered by a local photographer with ties to the NYC art scene.

Hogancamp comes across as a likeable, nice guy who used to be a drunk (he hasn't had a drop to drink since he woke from his coma). The filmmaker and Hogancamp eventually let the audience in on the fact that Hogancamp likes wearing women's shoes .

.. and that is the sole reason he was beaten to a bloody pulp. Our world of intolerance is inexplicable; but this man's world of acceptance and retribution is even more remarkable. It is odd ... but so what?! This artist finds inspiration in heels! The world needs a few more Marwencols .

.. and less hate.