Forced Perspective

Released in 2015 and directed by Nick Cavalier, Forced Perspective is an intimate deep-dive into the world of one of the music art scene's most iconic and emotionally charged figures, Derek Hess. The film uncovers Hess' psychological battles, his method of expression through art, and the influence it has on the global artistic stage.

Forced Perspective begins with a powerful montage of Hess' work layered with his voice reflecting on the intermingling of art and personal struggles. Growing up in Cleveland, Ohio, Hess began his journey in the basement of the Euclid Tavern, where he was a bouncer. His hand-drawn posters for local performances quickly gained recognition and transformed into album covers, apparel, and became prominent images in the global music scene.

This film is not just about the journey of an artist; it is a profound exploration of an individual with a rich, complex psyche. Through his work, Hess has always revealed raw, stark imagery that shed light on his wrestling with alcoholism and bipolar disorder. His art, from inspiring concert posters to paintings grappling with personal demons, is showcased in a raw and moving way that makes the audience feel the heated urgency to create, the depths of despair, and the catharsis of expression.

The vivid exploration of Hess' mind is captured in chronological narratives, beautifully broken by dramatic re-enactments notable for their striking imagery and potent metaphoric scenes. From the get-go, the film takes great care to provide an immersive and thought-provoking experience, exploring the way in which the world around us impacts our internal psyche and how, through art, an individual can communicate those intricate and often tumultuous experiences.

Derek Hess' captivating and intensely emotional artwork takes the center stage in the film, with visuals featuring his most renowned pieces, and clips of him working on his art in-studio, bringing a sense of intimacy and authenticity to the documentary. Moreover, it's also about the people influenced and inspired by his artistry - his fans and other artists, who, through snippets of interviews, share vivid insights about their encounters and engagements with Hess' works.

The core of the film lies not only in documenting the success and influence of Derek Hess but, more importantly, showcasing the artist's resilience in the face of vulnerability. Forced Perspective captures moments where Hess’ art acts as his therapy, helping him navigate through his struggles and allowing viewers to see how art can cast a beam of light into the darkest abyss of the human soul, offering a snippet of understanding and a chance at connection.

As an artist, Hess' preferred medium varies from the palette of a musician to the raw, loose linework of quick sketches and the fine, painstaking detail of oil painting. His artworks emphasize dualities, capturing the struggle between despair and hope, addiction and sobriety, mental illness, and peace.

The film allows viewers to follow Hess' process, from starting with an empty canvas to creating some of his most popular pieces. It provides an up-close-and-personal view into the unique artistry and techniques exhibited by Hess, exploring not only the final art product but more intimately, the journey of the artist's creative process.

Forced Perspective is a raw and unfiltered look into the internal and external forces that influence an artist's body of work. It explores themes of creativity, struggle, mental health, and how these elements intertwine to inform artistic expression. Its powerful visuals, combined with the gritty reality and emotional depth that Hess lays bare in his work and his life, make it a unique cinematic experience, leaving audiences with a newfound understanding of the artistic process and the cathartic power of creativity.

In the end, Forced Perspective stands both as a testament to Derek Hess' influential work and an intimate portrait of the man behind the art, his struggles, triumphs, and the profound effects mental health has on the creative process. The film deftly illustrates that art, in its purest form, is not only a medium for self-expression but also a beacon of connection, transformation, and human resilience.