A Man Named Pearl

2006 Documentary

Filmmakers Scott Galloway and Brent Pierson collaborate on this documentary about a factory worker and self-taught topiary artist from South Carolina who transformed his once-average yard into a wondrous garden that now draws tourists from across the country. When Pearl Fryar first attempted to move into his South Carolina home, the people of the neighborhood feared that he wouldn't maintain his yard. But Pearl wasn't willing to let an obstacle born from racial stereotypes determine the outcome of his life, and vowed to win the "Yard of the Month" award from the Iris Garden Club. Years later, tourists from all 50 states flock to the yard of a man who had no prior gardening experience before creating his masterpiece. More than just a yard, Pearl's awe-inspiring landscape creates a feeling in visitors that they didn't have before they set foot on the grounds. more..

Director: Brent Pierson

Reviews

  • This is moviemaking that honors the craftsmanship of its subject.

    Wesley Morris - The Boston Globe

    29 November 2012

  • The 66-year-old African-American, the subject of the inspiring documentary A Man Named Pearl, doesn't have scissors where his hands should be, but he turns trees and bushes into topiary sculptures every bit as amazing as the ones Johnny Depp's character crafts in the Tim Burton film.

    V.A. Musetto - New York Post

    29 November 2012

  • Assembled without frills or fuss, A Man Named Pearl is as much a portrait of a small Southern town as of an unassuming black folk artist.

    Jeannette Catsoulis - The New York Times

    29 November 2012

  • Though the film could've used more technical insight into Pearl's artistic process, it's hard not to be stirred by this hopeful portrait.

    - Los Angeles Times

    29 November 2012

  • Feature-length elaborations on quirky, inspiring human-interest stories are generally to be avoided, but I'll make an exception for A Man Named Pearl.

    - Village Voice

    29 November 2012

Awards

  • Best Documentary

    Heartland Film Festival (2006)