Cavedigger

Cavedigger takes you on the journey of Ra Paulette, a singular, driven man whose art is creating caves in the sandstone hills of New Mexico.

The word "caves" doesn't really do justice to what Ra creates, they are truly works of art that need to be seen, just as Cavedigger needs to be seen. It tells the tale of one man's need to express himself no matter the odds. His artistic goals sometimes run counter to those of his patrons, and his need to support his family, and his own race against time and age, working in an art form that's incredibly physically demanding.

The documentary does a terrific job showing how and why this man is determined never to stop. He says that there may be an end to his need to create, but after watching this mesmerizing film, that's hard to imagine. For him, it's a spiritual journey, and Cavedigger itself is a journey into both the art he creates and the driven soul behind the art.

This is a documentary of a man who follows his own guide star, and creates beautiful art in an unlikely way. Ra Paulette lives in New Mexico, and fills his days carving beautiful, vaulted-ceiling caves in the soft sandstone. Without a background in architecture, art, or engineering, sometimes for himself, sometimes for others (though, as the movie points out, never quite "with" others - including his ex-wife and her new husband, and a number of patrons), he spends years on each project, producing a unique and breathtaking result. We never quite "see to the bottom" where his motives arise, and his inspirations are mysterious. But the results are almost spiritual. And we see there is more to come.

Cavedigger, by Jeffrey Karoff, has just been nominated for an Academy Award for best short documentary. The nomination is more than deserved.

This 40 minute jewel is about a unique artist who digs and sculpts caves in New Mexico. It is about creating beautiful art and the trials and tribulations of being a commissioned artist.

The story told is of how the desire and drive to create singular art is stronger than all the other challenges of age, money, and client needs. Ra, the cave digger, is a kind, soft spoken man with a dream that he is creating and an inspiring level of perseverance in the face of whatever obstacles come his way.

The beautiful film footage of these exquisite caves is awe inspiring and a wild trip that will equally captivate both nature and art lovers.

It's tough for me to be objective because I do know the filmmaker. That said, I couldn't pull my eyes away from this documentary. Two thoughts on this film. First, the subject, Ra, creates these spectacular spaces/caves that need to be seen to be believed. Words don't really do his work justice. This movie shines a light on his work and it's special to get a window into his underground world.

Second, what I like so much about the film is, Jeffrey captures Ra's quirks and communicates his desire for underground perfection without ever pushing any sort of agenda. Put another way: It's very difficult to capture the intensity of a person like this in a subtle way. Jeff manages it without a hint of exposition.

Not surprising to me it was nominated for an Oscar.

Jeffrey Karoff has created a deep, rich exploration of a man who creates wondrous spaces dug out of the sides of mountains. The title is just a teaser as to the reality of his projects. Cave is defined as:

noun 1. a hollow in the earth, especially one opening more or less horizontally into a hill, mountain, etc.

Thus one thinks of something completely different than the brightly lit living spaces created by this artist. Not only does Karoff show the creation of the caves, but digs into the life of the artist and shows his personal and business relationships as well, All this done with a light touch, that leaves the documentarian completely in the background without distraction from the main focus. Words are inadequate to describe this piece and you must see it to get the full impact of the enormity of this artist's work. Thumbs up!