This is the torrid tale of a young innocent, relentless ambition, homosexuality, drugs, seduction and the abstruse, dreamy world of art. It combines the complex struggle for critical achievement and the allurement of a naive stairclimber in the ladder of success, the relationship between the reclusive artisan and the emulous ingenue developing into something more than the beauty of their love and the complications it instigates in those around them. Syd, a young assistant editor for a photography magazine, discovers one night that an artistic genius lives upstairs from her after fixing a leak in her bathroom. She examines her work exhibited all over the walls of her apartment and persuades her fellow co-workers to display her neighbor's creations in Frame (the magazine). She soon finds out that her newly acquainted tenant is a renowned photographer named Lucy Berliner, a lesbian freelancer who has done nothing but avoid the limelight for the past few years. Syd doggedly entreats Lucy to consider a return to the business and soon finds herself in the tornado of Lucy's wild and self-destructive lifestyle. Her drug-addicted friends and melodramatic lover Greta are the poison of Lucy's private society, a group of people who freely associate with each other sexually and socially. Lucy is their sovereign and they are conveniently her muses for her craft. Syd wets her feet in Lucy's strange circle of companions and in turn develops an intimate knowledge of Lucy's quirks and methods for inspiration, becoming her confidant and ultimately her lover. Radha Mitchell (Syd) and the intriguing, poignant comeback performance of the one-and-only Breakfast Club alumni Ally Sheedy, portray both leads with indefectible representation. Radha is hypnotizing but endearing and Sheedy is raw and sincere. Both tend to compliment the other whenever they are together, their portrayal of the other's affections plausible and tender.
Who really turns up the action in this film is Patricia Clarkson, the eccentric and egotistical Greta Krauss, an actress and former lover who thrives off the attentions of Lucy's affections and who ultimately becomes the thorn in her side. This was very well directed, and independent films are usually the gems of the movie industry because they are not under the thumb of critical and financial stress while being produced. This story is heart-breaking but nonetheless mesmerizing, and I have to say that although most people might find this film a little somnolent, I think it displays a lot of unmarked talent and discerning screen-writing for avoiding the overly-romantic passions that most movies like to dish out. This movie is not about romance. It is about the unfettered and unrefined courses that real relationships have, and a respectful depiction of lesbianic relations.
If you're looking to add an unusual and memorable piece to your movie athenaeum, then I beg you to consider High Art. It will be a well-thought purchase with nary a regret.
Who really turns up the action in this film is Patricia Clarkson, the eccentric and egotistical Greta Krauss, an actress and former lover who thrives off the attentions of Lucy's affections and who ultimately becomes the thorn in her side. This was very well directed, and independent films are usually the gems of the movie industry because they are not under the thumb of critical and financial stress while being produced. This story is heart-breaking but nonetheless mesmerizing, and I have to say that although most people might find this film a little somnolent, I think it displays a lot of unmarked talent and discerning screen-writing for avoiding the overly-romantic passions that most movies like to dish out. This movie is not about romance. It is about the unfettered and unrefined courses that real relationships have, and a respectful depiction of lesbianic relations.
If you're looking to add an unusual and memorable piece to your movie athenaeum, then I beg you to consider High Art. It will be a well-thought purchase with nary a regret.