|
| Movie Review: The Art of the Steal Alternate Title: The Rape of Europa
Story: I am an art snob. There
- I said it. I fondly recall days of yore when going to a museum was
a wonderful experience. The galleries were quiet. They were not crowded
and I could stand in front of a painting for as long as desired without
being pushed and shoved by throngs seeking the now prevalent art mall
experience. Today's blockbuster museum shows with those awful self-guided
phone-like devices have groups of people clustering in front of a painting
that the curator wants to discuss. They move like cattle and trample
anyone in their way. I now go to museums early in the morning when the
crowds are small so that I can have the experience that I remember in
days gone by. Okay - back to the movie.
Albert C. Barnes was an entrepreneur.
He made his money in pharmaceuticals. He used his fortune to buy art.
He amassed a collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist work
that was eventually the envy of all other collectors and museums. Criticized
by high society and the art critics of his day, he decided to build
his own space to hang his collection and to also use the space as a
teaching tool for young students. He chose Merion, PA, a well to do
suburb outside of Philadelphia as the permanent home for his collection
and school.
His will was clear. His collection was never
to be loaned, moved or sold. This film covers the travesty that occurred
after Barnes' death in 1951. Young director Don Argott
makes no secret about his point of view. He is strongly opposed to the
idea (as do I) that was rammed down the throats of the people of Pennsylvania
to move the Barnes Collection to downtown Philadelphia. He methodically
unravels the cabal of political bigwigs and cultural institutions that
orchestrated this 25 billion dollar theft of property and rights.
It is both fascinating and enraging cinema and
regardless of whether you are an art lover or not - you will be involved,
engrossed and maddened by this film.
For more information on the Barnes Foundation
go to their website: http://www.barnesfoundation.org/ Watch the trailer here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SbMNmjX87bI Acting: Not applicable in a documentary.
Trivia: The Barnes Foundation houses one of the finest
collections of French Impressionist, Post-Impressionist, and early Modern
paintings in the world, including an extraordinary number of masterpieces
by Pierre-Auguste Renoir (181), Paul Cézanne (69), and Henri
Matisse (59). The collection also includes important works by Pablo
Picasso (46), Chaim Soutine (21), Henri Rousseau (18), Amedeo Modigliani
(16), Edgar Degas (11), Vincent van Gogh (7), Georges Seurat (6), Edouard
Manet (4), and Claude Monet (4). Although renowned for its late 19th-
and early 20th-century European paintings, the Foundation's collection
also includes important examples of American paintings and works on
paper, including works by Charles Demuth, William Glackens, and Maurice
and Charles Prendergast; African sculpture; Native American ceramics,
jewelry, and textiles; Asian paintings, prints, and sculptures; Medieval
manuscripts and sculptures; Old Master paintings, including works by
El Greco, Peter Paul Rubens, and Titian; ancient Egyptian, Greek, and
Roman art; and American and European decorative arts and metalwork.
Predilection: I like art, politics and cabals. I
have been to the Barnes several times and will never forget the experience.
Critters: Barnes had a cute black and white dog that
he adored and seemed to take with him everywhere. There were also some
goats featured.
Food: None
Sex Spectrum: None
Soundtrack: Philip Glass predominates.
Opening Titles: A fine opening sequence that gets
you hooked.
Visual Art: A visual symphony of fine art.
Theater Audience: About eight other people and us.
Drift Factor: I was riveted throughout.
Predictability Level: High
Tissue Usage: 0
Oscar Worthy: Why not?
Big Screen or Rental: Go for the big screen if you
can find it in your neighborhood.
Length: 100 minutes.
LOBO HOWLS: 9 |