THE PLOT THUS FAR
Caustic wit, man about town, James McNeill Whistler was the original art star. Famous for his patent leather shoes, monocle, and uptown swagger, Whistler’s theatrics attracted the curiosity of buyers and the attention of the critics. But beneath the high gloss and mannered style, the struggle of this pioneering genius to find his own voice resulted in a breakaway style that moved painting towards abstraction and would revolutionize the art world in his time-and beyond.
Best known for the groundbreaking portrait of his mother, Whistler had become one of the most recognized artists in Europe by the time of his death. He is now placed in the first rank of modern painters, his work compared to that of Velazquez and Rembrandt. Dramatic re-creations, art, graphics, and interviews combine to profile this fascinating character.
WHAT WE THOUGHT
“The Case for Beauty” is a rather amazing documentary about the life of James McNeill Whistler. Whistler was a world reknown painter known for his portrait of his mother. However, not everyone dug his push for abstract beauty in his art. Still, Whistler was a man of looks and he wanted to be a rock star back in the days of the Phonograph. Whatever was to become of this little weirdo?
Art documentaries have the ability to put some to sleep. While this documentary is only an hour long, even I felt myself drifting off at points. I was familiar with Whistler and I had seen a great amount of his art. However, I can’t say whether or not I cared about his contributions to the art world. This documentary did little to change that.
The DVD comes with a bonus video about etching as the sole special feature. The standard definition transfer is crisp enough. The Dolby track is a supportive surround mix. It’s typical for most documentaries. In the end, I’d recommend a purchase to art history majors.
RELEASE DATE: 09/09/2014