15 Devastating Documentaries That Mustn't Be Ignored

11. Marwencol (Jeff Malmberg, 2010)

People deal with life-changing events in many different ways, but Mark Hogancamp's way of dealing with his horrific injury truly is a unique one. After being beaten by five men outside a bar, he fell into a coma, and during his rehabilitation he builds a model scale World War 2 town, populated by soldiers and women that represent all of the people in his life. He photographs the models and what begins as an exercise in regaining his memory and hand to eye co-ordination becomes an obsession and an art. When an art gallery show interest in his work, he's suddenly taken out of his comfort zone when he is asked to transfer his models to a gallery. The film-making is subtle and gentle, and Mark's journey - from an alcoholic, semi-decent artist to a brain-damaged recluse - is utterly enthralling. Any memories that Mark still has are played out in his small, unique town of Marwencol, and it's remarkably touching to see him build his life in proxy. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vNKPEp6aEqQ