Pearl Fryar, standing in his garden. Mr. Fryar is the subject of "A Man Named Pearl", directed by Scott Galloway and Brent Pierson. The documentary is playing now in New York and will open on Friday in Los Angeles. (Photo courtesy: Shadow Releasing)
THE POPCORN REEL FILM REVIEW/"A Man Named Pearl"
Pearls Of Wisdom From A Man Of Substance And Spirit
By Omar P.L. Moore/July 23, 2008
The new documentary feature film "A Man Named Pearl", which opened in New York City last week and arrives in Los Angeles this Friday, is as richly engaging and satisfying an experience as any on the big screen this year. Pearl Fryar, from North Carolina, is a man in his late sixties. He had previously worked in a packing plant before deciding to embark on a highly ambitious project: topiary, specifically a garden which took six years to complete. Mr. Fryar was untrained -- perhaps a poor choice of words -- in the ways of art. He had received only a two or three-hour briefing. From there he took it upon himself to become one of America's foremost artists, with people coming from far and wide to look at his garden. In fact, he is the only person in the country doing what he does.
The documentary features Mr. Fryar's easy-going, matter-of-fact way with his gentle philosophies accompanied by thoughts from higher-profile beings like Albert Einstein. Mr. Pearl's family and relatives also weigh in on the creative genius and the spiritual realm that imbued Mr. Fryar's vocation and fueled his inspiration to thousands of children and students whom he now teaches in various American cities. Mr. Fryar recalls being touched by the legendary Jackie Robinson among others and how the struggles and triumphs of the Brooklyn Dodgers baseball great encouraged him to jump-start his own will to achieve against the odds, albeit it much calmer circumstances.
If there were a series of films this year that should be grouped together in a "Never Say Quit" Film Festival, "A Man Named Pearl" would be the latest entry in the Festival program, joining April's "Shine A Light" and "Young At Heart", two films which show that being of a certain age is not only liberating and wonderful, but also very entertaining. "Pearl" is produced and directed by Scott Galloway and Brent Pierson.
Although "A Man Named Pearl" emits a "wow! factor" -- the somewhat bizarre reaction by some in the world to the idea that an elderly black man could hone his time and skills into a revelation of wonderment and profundity -- "A Man Named Pearl" isn't meant to be any test or imitation of "Ripley's Believe It Or Not!" Rather, the directors treat Mr. Fryar and his journey to this point as earnestly as one would expect. The bottom line is that there is a message of courage, love, peace and goodwill in Mr. Fryar's work, and "A Man Named Pearl" gives sincere credence to both artist and family man. The film is a warm portrayal of a gentle soul, whose work and life is a beacon of positive energy and encouragement to all.
"A Man Named Pearl" is rated G for general audiences by the Motion Picture Association of America. The film's duration is one hour and 18 minutes. The film is playing in New York City and this Friday (July 25) will open in Los Angeles.
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