This is a beautiful little film. It's an emotional, feel-good story that explores how art can be used in a therapeutic manner to work through trauma. Sure, the symbolism could be viewed as too obvious and the scenes in the doll world of Marwen can come across as ridiculous to some people, but I think it all worked just fine. I enjoyed all the scenes with the dolls in Marwen, as they were aesthetically pleasing with just the right amount of humor and they served as a good illustration of Mark's psychological battles.
Also, as a gay person, I enjoyed Mark's subversion of gender roles in the way he admired the women in his life and wanted to connect with them in a way that didn't objectify them (like collecting and wearing women's shoes). The dolls didn't exist in his world to be his harem, but rather the protectors of his psyche. They were there as a comfort, as they were based on the people in his life that showed him the most kindness and support (well, apart from the doll inspired by the porn actress, that is). But I also like how the dolls can also represent various aspects of myself (such as his work life, his pain, his hobby, his sexuality, his struggles with taking care of himself at home).
Overall, this is a cute movie that demonstrates how art can be a powerful tool that you can use to figure out who you are. You can use it as a way to bridge the gap between fantasy and reality. And you can use it to record important life events and examine what they mean for you. Highly recommended.
Also, as a gay person, I enjoyed Mark's subversion of gender roles in the way he admired the women in his life and wanted to connect with them in a way that didn't objectify them (like collecting and wearing women's shoes). The dolls didn't exist in his world to be his harem, but rather the protectors of his psyche. They were there as a comfort, as they were based on the people in his life that showed him the most kindness and support (well, apart from the doll inspired by the porn actress, that is). But I also like how the dolls can also represent various aspects of myself (such as his work life, his pain, his hobby, his sexuality, his struggles with taking care of himself at home).
Overall, this is a cute movie that demonstrates how art can be a powerful tool that you can use to figure out who you are. You can use it as a way to bridge the gap between fantasy and reality. And you can use it to record important life events and examine what they mean for you. Highly recommended.