“The Trouble with Mr Doodle,” directed by Jaimie D’Cruz and Ed Perkin, is a deeply moving documentary that offers a window into the inspiring journey of Sam Cox, affectionately known to many as Mr Doodle. The film delves deep into the artist’s life and sensitively depicts his road to stardom and auction record prices, and then sheds light on the delusions and a psychotic episode that led to his hospitalisation. It offers a personal portrayal of his mental health struggles and the triumphs that shape his story.
Throughout this documentary, we are privileged to witness the extraordinary resilience demonstrated by Sam Cox and his family. Their courageous sharing of personal struggles, including vulnerable moments captured on film, is truly commendable. Seeing Sam Cox’s broken and vulnerable selfie really strikes a chord with all who have faced challenging times. Many keep such selfies private, so for Sam to share this side of himself is brave and truly inspirational. Through this vulnerability, Sam Cox and his family’s strength and determination shine through, serving as a beacon of hope and empathy for others facing similar challenges.
The Trouble With Mr Doodle. Image Copyright Alun Callender
At the heart of the documentary is Sam’s unwavering dedication to doodles, from his school day sketches to his new found stardom, auction record prices for his artworks and the ultimate dream of creating “The Doodle House. However, it all becomes overwhelming… After his release from the hospital, and as he starts to recuperate, Sam Cox initially shows no interest in doodling, much to the relief of his wife and family. However, this phase is short-lived. Despite the challenges Sam faced, he ultimately never allowed it to diminish his passion for doodling. Instead, he harnessed his art as a potent force to reclaim his brilliance, continue pursuing his doodling passion, and proceeds to doodle over his entire house.
The documentary captures the important significance of this dream and his sheer determination, family support, and artistic brilliance that fuelled its realisation. The film also serves as a touching reminder that doodling is not just a part of Sam’s life — it is his life.
Copyright Mr Doodle
With its unfiltered authenticity and deep insights, “The Trouble with Mr Doodle” not only offers a reflective journey into Sam Cox’s life but also underscores the pivotal role that love and support played in the artist’s journey to recovery and artistic success. The documentary also creates much-needed awareness and sparks important conversations about mental health, serving as a reminder of the significance of self-care, mindfulness, and compassion toward others.