Herman's House (2012) User Reviews

A thought provoking well made documentary

[Tony Rome · 10/10 · 7 October 2012]

Saw this film at the 20th Hamptons International film festival. Over 80,000 people in prison today are in solitary confinement. Herman has been in solitary confinement in a Louisiana prison for 40 years. Herman lives in a 6X9 cell. The film chronicles one individuals plight to build the house that Herman envisions himself living in if he was not in his prison cell. The audience gets an intimate look at the life of a man who has been incarcerated since he was in his mid twenties. The audience feels Jackies frustration as each attempt to bring Hermans dream alive gets faltered. Hopefully this film will find a distributor and get a wide release. The film is very well photographed, and edited. It is 90 minutes worth spending, a real eye opener.

Excellent Movie

[barkingechoacrosswaves · 9/10 · 21 April 2013]

The abuse of solitary confinement in our prison system -- its misuse as a method to punish rather than to protect and rehabilitate prisoners -- has been given far too little media attention in the United States. "Herman's House" steps into this media vacuum by bringing one of the most notorious cases of indefinite solitary confinement into sharper focus. How could someone like Herman Wallace be kept alone in a 6' x 9' cell for decades... how is this level of severity even possible under our constitution? Given that psychological studies equate solitary confinement with torture, Wallace's 23 hours of solitary each day for 40 years is a monumental level of barbarity -- an abject failure by the American criminal justice system.

"Herman's House" also provides a moving illustration of how provocative and important art can flourish even under the most adverse circumstances. This is a must-see film for anyone interested in social justice, criminal justice or how the creative process can be used to reflect on the misapplication of justice in our society. It is also the moving story of one of the most unlikely and beautiful artistic collaborations one could imagine.

The most important film in a man's life. and yours.

[dmateris82-426-768434 · 10/10 · 11 July 2013]

I just watched this last night on PBS. Today I am all over the internet trying to figure out what I can do to help artist Jackie Summel and Herman Wallace.

Watch this documentary and then donate. Help them build the house! Spread the word about Herman Wallace.

So beautiful and sad... mostly beautiful.

The court system (along with all systems) in the US just suck. 40 years in solitary confinement is cruel and unusual punishment.

Sign the petitions, spread the word! For the love of mankind and Herman!! We love you Herman! Thank you Jackie!!