Cave Digger is a unique documentary from 2013 that portrays the life and work of a singularly driven individual: the eccentric and talented artist Ra Paulette. Directed by Jeffrey Karoff, the film is primarily set in the remote sandstone mesas of Northern New Mexico, home to expansive and breathtaking desert landscapes, which Paulette quite literally deconstructs to create his masterpieces.

Rather than the traditional art forms of painting, sculpture, or printmaking, Ra Paulette dedicates his talent to creating exquisite, life-size cave sculptures meticulously carved out from the heart of the stark Northern New Mexican landscape. With mere hand tools and a dogged determination, Paulette spends years in the solitary undertaking of turning bland expanses of sandstone into intricate, cavernous works of art.

This 39-minute portrayal of Paulette’s life and work garnered an Oscar nomination for Best Documentary (Short Subject) upon its release. This praise does not come without merit, as Cave Digger successfully encapsulates the nuances of artistic passion while providing an overview of a truly unique kind of artistic expression.

The story commences by introducing us to Paulette, a serene yet eccentric man in his late 60s, who has devoted the larger part of his life to his distinct craft. It primarily follows his pursuit of a grand project — his magnum opus — a full-blown, cathedral-like art cave which he hopes will stand the test of time and outlast him.

Sharing an equal stage with Paulette's vision, the documentary also examines the complex relationships he forms with his patrons. As he accepts commissions from local residents desiring to have their own private caves, the film explores the disruptions and tensions that arise from differing visions — between the artist's pursuit of expression and the patrons' expectation of a specific design outcome. This creates an enticing dynamic, revealing the constant battle between artistic freedom versus commercial expectation and need for validation.

Pierre Delattre and Suzanne Eliel, both featured in the film, are Biblically inspired enthusiasts who commission one of Paulette's awe-inspiring earth temple. Their profound respect for the land and their vision of complementing and celebrating earth’s raw beauty through this commissioned work inspire intriguing discussions on art, nature, and spirituality.

Even though the narrative unfolds against the backdrop of Art and its evolving definitions, Cave Digger offers viewers more than just a story about a unique artist. It subtly asks questions about the very human necessities of validation, purpose, and coherence. Through Paulette's journey, the documentary ponders over intrinsic questions like: What is the purpose of Art? And to what extent can an artist’s vision be compromised for the sake of survival and patronage? Does progression truly demand this compromise?

As far as the cinematography and technical aspects are concerned, Cave Digger is immaculately produced. The beautiful, arid landscapes of the New Mexican desert form a stark yet poignant backdrop that complements Ra Paulette’s art perfectly. One cannot help but marvel at the juxtaposition of the austere, rugged exterior of the mesas against the delicate, elaborate designs that Paulette manages to coax out from within them.

The documentary is as much an exploration of the artist's dedication and inspiration as it is an homage to the land and the caves themselves, standing tall and proud as masterpieces carved out of nature's canvas. Viewers are taken on an awe-inspiring journey into these vast, underground cathedrals, providing an intimate view into the mastery and craft of Paulette.

In conclusion, Cave Digger is an exploration of not just Ra Paulette and his art but also an analysis of the human disposition, of artistic endeavour, and of the relationship between art, its creators, and its patrons. Despite its short runtime, the film is deeply moving, leaving audiences to ponder questions of art, nature, spirituality, and the purpose of life in a very compelling yet unobtrusive manner.