The Treasures of Long Gone John

The Treasures of Long Gone John, released in 2006, is an enchanting journey into the world of contemporary surreal art and the eccentric collector who has made such artwork his life's passion. This fascinating feature-length documentary not only acts as an expose of the avant-garde art world but a tender portrayal of a man who lives and breathes the world of art and music through his peculiar, encompassing collection. The film is loosely based on the life of Long Gone John, known as an independent record producer and art collector and shines a spotlight on his vast collection and contributions to the world of lowbrow and pop surrealism.

As we delve into the world of Long Gone John, we get to meet various artists featured in his collection, including Annie Adjchavanich, Anthony Ausgang, and Gary Baseman. Directed by Gregg Gibbs, the film cleverly uses the narrative track to simultaneously progress two parallel stories, one, of the artists John collects and the other, of John himself. It's a tightrope walk that introduces us to two intertwined universes that coexist in harmony.

Annie Adjchavanich, an emerging force in the contemporary art scene, gives a compelling performance in the film. As an artist, she shines in her portrayal and delivers an in-depth insight into her artistic process, her beliefs, and her inspirations. Her interaction is portrayed organically in the film, providing an intimate look at the people behind such extraordinary work.

The story weaves in and includes the contribution of Anthony Ausgang, another eminent artist. Known for his mind-bending surreal art, the film includes his work and offers tantalizing glimpses of his artistic style and philosophy. You see up-close his stellar artwork and get to fully appreciate his technique, style, and extraordinary talent.

Then there's Gary Baseman, whose unique blend of pop art and pop surrealism features prominently in the documentary. Through Baseman's portion, we are introduced to his quirky, surrealistic style and bold characters and understand the uncensored creativity that has made him a cornerstone in John's collection.

While the artists are the backbone of the film, it is Long Gone John himself who serves as its beating heart. Known to many as a record producer with his label, Sympathy Records, he has helped launch the careers of various punk and rock bands over the years. But this documentary takes us into his second great passion – his art collection. Over more than two decades, he has amassed over 10,000 pieces of artwork, some of which we get to see in this film. His eye for unusual, avant-garde, and often overlooked art genres makes him a captivating figure in the world of contemporary art.

But the documentary is more than a showcase of art – it is a study of the collector's psyche and an homage to all things strange and beautiful. We see a myriad of unusual, strange, and downright eerie items throughout John's gothic-like mansion, giving the whole documentary a sort of fantastical feel. This is coupled with excellent cinematography by Van Duzer, the film's brilliant work with color and lighting making the art pieces, as well as the narrative, come vibrantly alive on screen.

An intriguing feature is the use of stop-motion animation sequences by artist Todd Schorr, which gives the film an innovative unique feel and stands as testament to the creativity and originality delivered by this documentary.

Overall, The Treasures of Long Gone John is not just a film about art—it's a film about passion for the eccentric, odd and wonderful. It's about the validation and creation of a space for lowbrow and pop surrealistic art forms and the disarming allure of the unorthodox.

Whether you are an art lover, a student of human nature, or just a connoisseur of the eccentric, this film provides an engaging, wonderfully peculiar, and visually striking exploration of what it means to collect and cherish the world of art, told through the life of a man dedicated to the celebration of the peculiar and interesting.