Review – The Living Museum

Though I’m not sure any further proof of the narrowness of the gap between artistic genius and insanity is really necessary, this documentary nonetheless does a compelling job of exploring the issue. The title subject is a collection of work-spaces devoted to institutionalized artists, sort of an art therapy program writ large. The format follows a handful of the artists, devoting a segment to each. And naturally enough, some are more interesting than others. A couple suffer from illnesses that make it hard for them to relate to the outside world in any way besides their art. Some of the others appear – at least in this documentary – to be little “odder” than the average student at any given art institute. Likewise their art varies from the fascinating to the dull and academic. Overall the film is an interesting experience, suffering only slightly from the exploitative impulses that mar many documentaries on the subject of mental illness. Worth seeing