A small movie with an enormous heart. A fantastic journey of one artist's singular talent and how he confronts the world to pursue it. Is the ultimate goal in art to gain recognition, fame and fortune or is it simply the opportunity to create one's interpretation no matter what the toll? Cavedigger is a breathtaking meditation on the struggle of one artist to define his own goals within the context of his life. The cave creations are jaw dropping themselves but it's the man behind them that will give each audience member pause in reflection of one's own life choices. Jeffrey Karoff has presented an unflinching portrait of what it takes realize your dreams.
17 Reviews
Just simply fantastic.
roy-906-77835324 January 2014
After Jeffrey came back from his first shooting with the "CaveDigger", I knew he was on to something.
The character of Ra and his artistic obsessions, the unique perspectives of the work and of Ra from the people with whom he interacts, and the true grit of the environment in which he works are all captured exquisitely and completely in a way that only a director who is a true artist himself, could.
Jeffrey Karoff puts people at ease as he rolls the camera as if it was always part of the natural milieu, thus capturing the subjects basic humanness. He guides them on a path to the unknown that eventually unfolds into a story that was always there but until then, hidden. That is Jeffrey's gift.
Bravo. Encore.
The character of Ra and his artistic obsessions, the unique perspectives of the work and of Ra from the people with whom he interacts, and the true grit of the environment in which he works are all captured exquisitely and completely in a way that only a director who is a true artist himself, could.
Jeffrey Karoff puts people at ease as he rolls the camera as if it was always part of the natural milieu, thus capturing the subjects basic humanness. He guides them on a path to the unknown that eventually unfolds into a story that was always there but until then, hidden. That is Jeffrey's gift.
Bravo. Encore.
Rare to See Such a Well-Done Documentary
Heathbinder3 February 2014
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.
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.
I don't get the hype.
planktonrules1 February 2014
Today I made my annual pilgrimage to the local theater to see all the Oscar-nominated Documentary Shorts. My good friend came with me and force once we were in agreement as to which shorts were strongest and weakest--which is a little unusual. Of the five documentaries, we both liked "Cavedigger" the least. And, when I came home and looked at the IMDb sites for all these shorts, I was shocked to see such an incredibly high rating for "Cavedigger". After all, it was a very slight film and took neither the risks of the best of the shorts ("Karama Has No Walls" where one cameraman actually got shot documenting the Yemeni democracy movement) nor had a emotional impact of "Prison Terminal: The Last Days of Jack Hall". While not a terrible film, its subject matter just didn't seem to merit a film this long--as about 10 minutes would have probably sufficed.
The story is about a very strange man named 'Ra'. Ra is an odd-ball--and would probably admit that readily. He lives in the art Mecca of Taos, New Mexico and even there among these bohemians, he's a stand-out! He has an obsession that consumes his life--digging tunnels and rooms into the very, very soft sandstone. Now I must admit that his artistry in making these is pretty impressive, though he never really makes any money doing this and is quite happy despite this. That's really all there is to the story--mildly interesting but hardly in the same league as the other shorts that were nominated.
The story is about a very strange man named 'Ra'. Ra is an odd-ball--and would probably admit that readily. He lives in the art Mecca of Taos, New Mexico and even there among these bohemians, he's a stand-out! He has an obsession that consumes his life--digging tunnels and rooms into the very, very soft sandstone. Now I must admit that his artistry in making these is pretty impressive, though he never really makes any money doing this and is quite happy despite this. That's really all there is to the story--mildly interesting but hardly in the same league as the other shorts that were nominated.
Excellent chronicle of an artist who creates magical spaces.
ikoslow-902-72824720 January 2014
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!
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!
Cavedigger is a Winner
lewin-903-8575021 January 2014
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.
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.
I loved this film.
pamkoslow18 January 2014
Cavedigger is a beautifully crafted short documentary about a little known artist with a very unique art form. The production values are superb. Beautifully shot in New Mexico, it presents the artists milieu as well as a look at the private life and inner workings of what goes on in very special man's mind. It was completely absorbing throughout. I was so taken with the sensitivity Jeffrey Karoff showed to the artist during the time he followed him around. I loved the the scenic shots of New Mexico as well as the beautiful presentation of his art pieces. All in all, it was one of the most sensitive representation of an artist and his work.
Digging caves
Horst_In_Translation4 November 2015
Warning: Spoilers
"Cavedigger" is a 39-minute documentary that was released back in 2013, but already filmed (at least some of it) back in 2010. It was directed by Jeffrey Karoff, his first work, and scoring an Oscar nomination with it is quite a success. The artist we see from start to finish is Ra Paulette and I myself found this almost more interesting as a character study of a man with such a hobby really isolated from people than as a piece of art. Yes the caves he did look fantastic, but I do not approve in terms of this being another way in which nature is destroyed and also no matter how good Paulette is, he will never reach the awesomeness of caves shaped by nature. You may want to take a look at Werner Herzog's "Cave of Forgotten Dreams" for these. All in all, I cannot say I particularly enjoyed watching this documentary and I am sure most of the other Oscar nominees that year deserved the trophy more than this one here. And somehow I feel Paulette couldn't care any less if he won or not. Not a great documentary. Thumbs down.
A Unique and Breathtaking Talent
bob-rutledge18 January 2014
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.
Fascinating doc about a fascinating artist
dbanks-194-63042018 January 2014
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.
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.
A Must See!
galtschul20 January 2014
Warning: Spoilers
If you like art, sculpture and documentary film, this one is a must see. Jeffrey Karoff does a fantastic job illuminating Ra's life, passion and art and perfectly captures the breathtaking beauty and scale of Ra's work. An interesting theme is the tension between Ra as an artist and the people who commission his work who feel the should have a say, of course. Additionally, Ra's struggle to skirt detection by the government (some of his work is on government land) is an interesting theme that I am eager to see play out in the years to come. I can only imagine that this film is helping put Ra on the map as a serious artist and can't wait to see what's next for him!
A Story World Beneath The Surface
jyathome20 January 2014
At first blush, this film appears to be about an obsessive artist. The idiosyncrasy of his art (carving Gaudi-like chambers below the parched New Mexico desert) makes the subject matter seem even more obscure, even as you're drawn to its eerie beauty. But, like all the best documentaries, this movie is about much more.
The stark land has drawn a cast of characters, each of whom is pursuing their life according to their own rules. These are not desert rats or misfits; you will likely recognize them as your more cerebrally- and spiritually-inclined neighbors. The director, Jeffrey Karoff, lets them describe the contours of their lives and interactions without the kind of editorial judgment too often imposed on arcane material like this.
As a result, the viewer comes away with a gratifying bit of dislocation, seeing enigmatic depths to what at first seemed familiar territory. Ra Paulette's sprawling "caves" (an inadequate descriptor) become a metaphor for his own life and for the community that surrounds him: a strange and immersive experience, driven by dreams, hidden away in a sun-blasted vastness.
The stark land has drawn a cast of characters, each of whom is pursuing their life according to their own rules. These are not desert rats or misfits; you will likely recognize them as your more cerebrally- and spiritually-inclined neighbors. The director, Jeffrey Karoff, lets them describe the contours of their lives and interactions without the kind of editorial judgment too often imposed on arcane material like this.
As a result, the viewer comes away with a gratifying bit of dislocation, seeing enigmatic depths to what at first seemed familiar territory. Ra Paulette's sprawling "caves" (an inadequate descriptor) become a metaphor for his own life and for the community that surrounds him: a strange and immersive experience, driven by dreams, hidden away in a sun-blasted vastness.
exquisite and touching
ctkingson20 January 2014
Not only do we see the sinuous grace of these carved sandstone interiors and get the feel for how challenging they are to excavate, but we are let into the life of an eccentric and staunchly independent artist who nevertheless is a gentle and appealing soul. A man in his 60s carries a wheelbarrow and shovel deep into mountainous wilderness on his back; he works alone, underground, never knowing when a collapse might end his life; he worries about the safety of those who might try to recover his body. We meet some of his patrons and see their reaction to the unmovable force that he is when his artistic vision is challenged, but though some find him too formidable, others--friends and loved ones--sacrifice to help him along his path. The clarity of his understanding of his values, his humility when he doubts, the love he engenders, and the respect so many have for his vision make this movie extremely touching and thought provoking. The crisp cinematography ravishes with the beauty of the New Mexico sky and landscape, and the magical caves hidden inside it.
Man digs caves
lisacitron19 January 2014
Warning: Spoilers
Visually astounding portrait of a man on a mission: to dig into the mountains of northern New Mexico and carve out a cave. Not just any cave, but a cave whose interior surfaces are transformed into spaces, shapes and images that encourage rest and quietude and, perhaps, illumination. Seeker or not, this film is so well crafted that the viewer experiences awe at being inside a cave. The artist/cave digger puts his life at risk every foot forward and upward to soaring cathedral high ceilings. That the filmmaker entered into these caves to document the work compounds the thrill of seeing two artists, cave digger and filmmaker, put their lives at risk.
One theme unexpectedly emerges: the contest of wills between the commissioner of a cave and the artist. At what point does the work belong to the artist and/or the owner? How do we feel when we see the artist told to stop before completing his work?
One theme unexpectedly emerges: the contest of wills between the commissioner of a cave and the artist. At what point does the work belong to the artist and/or the owner? How do we feel when we see the artist told to stop before completing his work?
An incredible film!
jonahfeldman12 February 2014
I watched it along with the other Oscar nominees for documentary short and it clearly stood out. The footage is stunning and the story is thought provoking and compelling. It doesn't just celebrate the artistic accomplishments of Ra Paulette (the documentaries subject) who digs cathedral like caves using only hand tools, it also presents the complex struggles of this unique character who grapples with issues of control and financial subsistence. You will leave the film not only remembering some of the amazing images you've just seen, but also discussing with your friends and family the thought provoking ideas the film raises. You will not regret taking the time to watch Cave Digger, it's a rare treat.
Fascinating story, unbelievable footage
greta-stahl13 February 2014
The story of Ra Paulette is unlike anything else you'll find in film. Driven to dig massive architectural caves beneath the New Mexico desert (and to do it by hand no less), it seems this individual would do anything for his art.
The impressive thing about this film is the complexity it showcases about this unique man. If you're like me, you'll walk away incredibly impressed by his commitment to his art - but you'll also wonder how far is too far. How much would you give up for your vision? Where do we draw the line between commitment and obsession? These are interesting questions which the filmmaker does a good job provoking through a compelling story.
Even if the subject matter doesn't immediately appeal to you, see this film for the stunning shots of Paulette's work. I had certainly never imagined that a 'cave' could look like this! It's an incredibly unique story and one that's well told through compelling imagery. I'll be thinking about this film for some time to come.
The impressive thing about this film is the complexity it showcases about this unique man. If you're like me, you'll walk away incredibly impressed by his commitment to his art - but you'll also wonder how far is too far. How much would you give up for your vision? Where do we draw the line between commitment and obsession? These are interesting questions which the filmmaker does a good job provoking through a compelling story.
Even if the subject matter doesn't immediately appeal to you, see this film for the stunning shots of Paulette's work. I had certainly never imagined that a 'cave' could look like this! It's an incredibly unique story and one that's well told through compelling imagery. I'll be thinking about this film for some time to come.
remarkable little film
wlynn-13-6659828 May 2014
A remarkable film worth watching. I was held by, both, the beauty of Ra Paulette's creation and the complex honesty captured by the film-maker. I heartily recommend this quirky documentary to others. At a pragmatic level, I love the way the movie held me, simultaneously, in solidarity with the main character's struggle against other people's efforts to control his clearly visionary endeavor, and yet frustrated with his own seeming inability to "play-well" with others in the sandbox of his creations. The movie seem's especially potent as a metaphorical tale regarding the universal human dilemma to rise out of our existential day-to-day, down-in-the-dirt struggle to merely survive, in order to leave behind some extraordinary witness of our presence in the world.
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
