)Documentary on a role playing universe called Darkon. Think Dungeon and Dragons but in the real world. The people go away for a weekend and and live an alternate feudal life where anything they can imagine is possible. The film examines the game and the people who play. I found the film to be very good at portraying the people and the game, but at the same time I found it very sad and troubling since its clear that many of the players have invested a great deal of themselves into this world and the game, more than is probably healthy. Too many people relate how they are nothing in the real world but in Darkon they are great warriors, princes, princesses or what ever they have chosen to be.They exist for the few moments where they can pretend to be something other than what they are. My heart breaks for these people since in many cases they are living for the weekend. For me its way too familiar a feeling. I have known too many people in my life who have given themselves over to a game and lost all touch with reality. (of course they may understand too well the pain of life). Granted this is no different than any other mania we come across from sports to cars to Barbies to fish, but at the same time rarely is the separation between worlds as clear as with Darkon players, there is this world and that, not one unified place. Its on IFC so you may want to try it if you're so inclined, but be warned you may be struck with a severe case of melancholia, I was
