Filmmaker Brett Ingram's documentary focuses on 76-year-old Renaldo Kuhler, a scientific illustrator at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences in Raleigh whose claim to fame is an unusual contribution to the realm of outsider art: Rocaterrania, an imaginary country along the New York–Ontario border that Kuhler created in a flight of childhood fantasy. Throughout his adult life, Kuhler continued to develop intricate scenarios for his make-believe land, including government overthrows and sociopolitical intrigue. His intricate artwork made the people and monuments of Rocaterrania seem authentic—although it wasn't until fairly recently that Kuhler let the public view his work. Kuhler's real-life odyssey, however, was far less colorful: his unhappy childhood morphed into a frustrating adulthood, and his limited social life, further hampered by a chronic inability to spark a romantic relationship, created a sense of physical and emotional isolation. As a result, Kuhler comes across as a bizarre and vaguely antisocial character. Perhaps the most jolting scene is a visit to Kuhler's cramped and dirty apartment; he surveys the shambles and deadpans that at least the space isn't sterile. Overlong and suffering somewhat from a lack of narration, Rocaterrania is a listless documentary. Viewers would be better served watching the similarly-themed Marwencol (VL-3/11). Not recommended. Aud: C, P. (P. Hall)
Rocaterrania
(2009) 74 min. DVD: $24.95. Microcinema International (avail. from most distributors). PPR. June 20, 2011
Rocaterrania
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