Buy In a Dream on DVD

In a Dream

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Synopsis

In the vibrant, bohemian neighborhood of South Philadelphia, 50,000-square feet of concrete are covered with tile and mirrorsmosaics that were created by renowned artist Isaiah Zagar.

The murals chronicle his love for his wife, Julia, and subtly hint at the darker corners of an extraordinary imagination. Where Isaiah is an obsessive and self-absorbed former Peace Corps volunteer who has become an icon in South Philly's art community, Julia is gracious and warm. For decades, their opposing natures complemented one another perfectly. But, in a moment of great stress, just before picking up their oldest son from a rehabilitation center, the family implodes. Isaiah confesses to an affair with his assistant, is kicked out of the house, and spirals into a debilitating nervous breakdown.

In a Dream is a fascinating portrait of love and betrayal, artistic invention, and the enduring power of family bonds. Winner of awards far and wide, the film features music by The Books, Explosions in the Sky, Efterklang, and Kelli Scarr.

3 Reasons To buy this film

Highly acclaimed, multiple award-winning documentary.
Isaiah Zagar's artwork is beyond fascinating.
This is a film that transcends "reality drama" and picks at the core of what it means to be a family.

Review

Isaiah Zagar's distinct mixed-medium mosaics that cover over 40,000 square feet of Philadelphia are perhaps the most recognizable murals in the city. His wife Julia Zagar is the owner of the well-respected Eyes Gallery and an artist in her own right. Having met in art school, the couple made a home in Philadelphia where they became parents and cornerstones of the arts community. Filmmakers Jeremiah Zagar (the couple's son) and Jeremy Yaches have created In a Dream, a film that both celebrates and exposes much more than the viewer could possibly anticipate about its subjects. Spanning several years, the incredibly raw and visceral film captures a turbulent time for the Zagar family involving shattering revelations and deep personal questioning. Few people would have the courage to allow such close scrutiny of their private lives unfolding and unraveling, yet this family does even more. In a Dream is both a powerful testimony to the Zagar's collective artistic legacy and a heart-wrenching tale of a family in crisis, but by no means is it a tragedy. In fact, the story covers decades of triumph and ultimately affirms the strength of the Zagars in all of its multi-faceted beauty. This fitting mosaic of film, video and animation tied together with a driving score is simply documentary filmmaking at its best.

-- Scott Johnston