Marwencol (1:23) 2010

Mark Hogancamp is a navy veteran from Kingston, NY. In 2000, Mark is savagely beaten by five men after Mark reveals he is a cross dresser. The beating results in Mark being in a coma for nine days. When he comes out of the coma, Mark's brain damage effects his ability to eat, walk, and speak. After his insurance lapses, Mark realizes he has to be his own therapist. Mark turns to his childhood hobbies of playing with GI action figures and builds sets for the action figures. He creates the Belgian town of Marwencol and scenes from World War II. He outfits GI Joes and Barbies in American and German uniforms. He poses the dolls to create various war scenes. One of the GI Joe dolls is Mark, family and friends are represented by Barbie and other action figures. Mark has created a highly detailed fantasy and safe world which allows him to come to terms with his past and his life of today. Marwencol works well for Mark until his safe world comes to the attention of a art magazine editor who approaches Mark to move his scaled model town to NYC for a gallery exhibition. Is Mark ready for Marwencol to encounter the real world? This documentary is one of the most unusual films I've ever watched. It is strange at times, heart wrenching at others. It is a enthralling look at a man's world after it  has been turned upside down after an incredible act of violence.