Resurrect Dead:The Mystery of the Toynbee Tiles

Resurrect Dead: The Mystery of the Toynbee Tiles is an enthralling 2011 documentary that dives deep into an enduring urban mystery and follows an eclectic trio of investigators in their passionate quest to unravel it. The documentary is directed by Jon Foy and primarily features Justin Duerr, an artist and Toynbee Tile enthusiast, together with fellow explorers Colin Smith and Steve Weinik, in an intense journey through the cities of America and even crossing into South America.

The film traces the origins of the baffling Toynbee Tiles, these small, cryptic plaques that began appearing embedded in the tarmac of city streets throughout the United States and South America during the 1980s. Each tile, made from layers of linoleum and asphalt crack-filling compound, carries a variant of the same odd message: "Toynbee Idea In Movie 2001 Resurrect Dead On Planet Jupiter."

The core of the movie revolves around the tireless dedication of Justin Duerr. As a man deeply engrossed in the mystery and with a passionate interest in the tiles since his discovery of one in a Philadelphia street, his fascination is infectious, engaging the audience from the very beginning. Duerr's obsession with unveiling the anonymous Tile-maker’s identity and motives conducts the narrative drive of the documentary. Alongside Duerr's dedication to the cause, the film also features Colin Smith and Steve Weinik, two equally involved and committed tile enthusiasts who join in the exploration of the phenomenon.

The narrative of the movie does much more than chronicling these characters unravelling the enigma of the Toynbee Tiles. It daringly delves into themes of art, obsession, and the human condition, exploring what drives us to create, understand, and seek answers, regardless of how insurmountable the mystery may seem.

Emphasized through the journey are themes of isolation, the need for communication, and the human craving to leave an enduring mark on the world. The anonymity of the tiler, coupled with the cryptic, repeated message, paints a compelling picture of a person desperate to communicate their ideas to the world, despite the challenges and isolation they might be facing. The tile investigators, too, face their own challenges as they become deeply engrossed in the mystery, revealing interesting introspections and personal sacrifices made in the name of their shared cause.

The production style of Resurrect Dead: The Mystery of the Toynbee Tiles is unique and dramatically striking. Foy's direction combines traditional interviews, news footage, filmed reenactments, evocative animations, and observational shoots. This eclectic cinematographic mix results in a creative exploration that borders on the uncanny, providing the film a distinctive character that parallels the enigmatic nature of the Toynbee Tiles themselves.

The Toynbee Tile mystery stands as one of those enduring real-life puzzles that asks more questions than it gives answers. This documentary does a splendid job capturing the captivating essence of this urban mystery, creating a deeply engaging visual narrative. It ventures into philosophical themes, highlighting the quirky beauty of the community and obsession that can be formed in the pursuit of answers.

With its unique mix of mystery, intrigue, and human drama, Resurrect Dead: The Mystery of the Toynbee Tiles offers a distinctive documentary experience. It's a compelling look into a largely unknown urban phenomenon and a testament to the power of human obsession, persistence, and curiosity to understand the inexplicable. From the city streets of Philadelphia to the vast realm of South America, join these intrepid investigators on a journey, unearthing a mystery stranger than fiction and far more captivating than any work of imaginary detective lore.