Almost There

Filmmakers Dan Rybicky and Aaron Wickenden randomly stumbled onto the art of Peter Anton at a Pierogi Fest in Whiting, Indiana. The old man sat at a busted table, trying to convince people to let him draw a portrait of them. It was there that Anton showed them several books full of his art, which immediately blew them away. A few years later, they find him living in deplorable conditions, stemming from a severe hoarding problem, bad health, and a lack of funds. Eventually, they form a friendship that leads to an exhibit for Anton at Intuit, a center for unknown artists in Chicago. Preparing a story about the event, a reporter uncovers a very disturbing piece of Anton's past. Feeling angry and betrayed, the filmmakers and gallery struggle with whether to proceed. The attention digs up things Anton had hoped were buried in his past. ALMOST THERE is a fascinating documentary about outsider art. It's also an unexpected tale of forgiveness and regret that explores the dark side of a creative mind. – E.F.