Growing Up Absurd

About This Movie

Growing Up Absurd feels like a deep dive into a time capsule, capturing the essence of Tolstoy College, which thrived between 1969 and 1985. The documentary is stitched together from interviews with pivotal figures like Alex Van Oss and Paul Richmond, creating an intimate narrative that reveals the college's unique ethos. There's a rawness to the pacing as the stories unfold, blending personal recollections with the broader cultural context of the era. The film’s atmosphere is reflective, almost wistful, as it navigates themes of idealism and community, making each interview feel like a page out of a shared diary. What stands out is how it embraces the imperfections of memory, allowing the viewers to feel the weight of nostalgia and the complexities of a radical educational experiment.

Growing Up Absurd is an intriguing documentary that captures a largely obscure chapter in educational history, which may add a layer of allure for collectors. Currently available in limited formats, its rarity could appeal to those with an interest in avant-garde educational movements or 70s counterculture. While not widely distributed, the film's niche subject matter might spark interest in dedicated documentary circles, especially among those who appreciate oral histories and institutional legacies.