Art on Film

With rare exception, movies about famous painters prove to be a disappointment. The recent film about Gustav Klimt, with the formidable John Malkovich in the title role, was a futile attempt to capture the essence of this artist's life in Vienna at the turn of the 20th century. Though the beautiful costumes and authentic interiors provided a certain pleasure, it was not enough. The film disappeared without a trace. A few years earlier, the abysmal movie about Modigliani starring Andy Garcia was kindly laid to rest soon after its release...