This week's DVD's recommendations are for titles of particular interest to those with an
appreciation for the artistic nature. Particularly, gay artists with a tragic sensibility. Submitted
for your approval are three vastly different works that offer vivid portrayals of the tortured artist
in full flower:
the Best Picture award away from Brokeback Mountain. I would have been
happy with either choice but happier still if MY favorite film, Capote, had taken
the top honor. I think this stunning debut feature from director Bennett Miller,
debut script from Dan Futterman and top drawer performance from Phillip
Seymour Hoffman (which did win Oscar gold) was the best of 2005.
I have eagerly awaited Sony Pictures release of Capote on DVD and have
watched it -- with and without the two separate, insightful commentaries --
several times. It's a marvel -- not a wasted frame, with the screenplay cut to
the essence, the acting topnotch, as well as the art direction, Mychael Dana's
lyrical music, all framed by the beautiful cinematography. For a story that
examines the tortured artist, and how that artist can be permanently damaged
by subject or subject matter, this resonates better than any other film that
tackles the same premise. The director and actor commentaries are augmented
by a short, telling documentary on Truman Capote and two really precise
making of featurettes. This was a film made on a budget by a group of really
creative people who rose to the challenge -- and it shows. Highly
recommended.
Also recommended is the excellent PBS documentary The Life and Times
of Frida Kahlo. The Mexican-Jewish bisexual artist painted some of the
most searingly emotional self-portraits (and unflinchingly honest) ever
committed to canvas. For me, this documentary, from PBS Paramount, more
fully captures the tempestuous nature of the fiery, passionate Frida, than the
well regarded Salma Hayak biopic. The life of Frida, who lived with the burden
of her famous husband Diego Rivera's many affairs (including one with her
beloved sister), is narrated in this documentary by Rita Moreno that utilizes
vintage photographs, newsreels and recreations with singer Lila Downs playing
the artist. Best, many of Kahlo's canvases are seen in blazing detail. Extras
include extended interviews with Kahlo's former students.
Finally, writer-director Craig Lucas created one of 2005's most interesting films
with a story centered on a gay triangle and complicated by a thriller component.
The uncomfortable, icy, resulting work, The Dying Gaul, unfortunately was
hardly a crowd pleaser and Lucas' interesting but complex script and the
amazing performances of its three leads -- Peter Sarsgaard, Campbell Scott and
Patricia Clarkson -- were overlooked at awards time. This is a fictional account
of a REALLY tortured artist -- the gay Sarsgaard who is trying to recover from
the death of his lover while allowing himself to be seduced by the bisexual
movie executive who wants to buy his screenplay -- if he'll turn the gay leading
couple into a heterosexual one. Clarkson as Campbell's wife has the trickiest
role as the wife who suspects nothing of the clandestine affair but is intrigued
by the writer and especially his habit of visiting chat rooms.
The disc, out from Sony Pictures, doesn't have any extras but The Dying Gaul is
worth picking up or adding to your Netflix cue nevertheless.
Naturally, these three make a great triple feature for artistic types who FEEL
INTENSELY or those looking for more than the usual dunderheaded exploding
movie-car chase stuff.
