Being lucky enough to have seen this ineffable piece twice, I still find myself from time to time, stuck on wrapping my head around how seamlessly and beautifully it came together. Upon learning that it all came together in a mere nineteen days (originally given a shorter deadline), that the entirety was shot in 16mm film, and understanding that this had undergone rewrite after rewrite, it just leaves you ajar with awe. Rightfully so.
Somehow, the last thirty minutes always get to me (as in I crack, and droplets of water run down my face); this succinctly and intimate peek into the life of such a imperfect paragon will leave the audience aching and itching to run after a passion in their own lives that maybe they themselves have pushed away.
This is truly, sincerely a film that I would watch over and over again, and not tire of. Each time, there is more to unravel, more depth to each artist and subject, capturing minute details in the literal (and hypnotically captivating) photographs taken by Mr. Mapplethorpe that Ms. Timoner acquired.
There always runs the risk of well-known quotes spoken by the protagonist becoming lost in translation, or appearing too trite, on screen, but Mapplethorpe's phrases such as, "Beauty and the devil are the same thing," and, "...I hold hands with God" do not fall into that trap.
In the span of 102 minutes, Matt Smith pours every ounce of his impeccable talent into this role, beginning as a wide-eyed and bushy-tailed youngster and ending as an enfeebling, 42 year-old invalid that is still unbelievably loyal to his life's purpose. Smith even went as far as losing a fair amount of weight during filming, to achieve the authentically sickly appearance, which is one of countless assets in and on this film that make it all the more genuine and memorable.
It is not only Smith's incredible delivery that made the film what it is, but the entire ensemble: Marianne Rendón, who shares such a touching chemistry with Smith on-screen, that it is impossible to look away. John Benjamin Hickey, is intimately humane playing Sam Wagstaff, Mapplethorpe's longtime partner in all respects. Timoner included Hari Nef, too, whose underrated recognition becomes rightfully and colorfully acknowledged in the duration of the picture. Those are only a handful of the many outstanding performances given, each portrayal's heart on their sleeve.
In short, there is no one else right for the role to so immaculately tell Mr. Mapplethorpe's story than Timoner. It's remarkable, what a feat a biopic can turn out to be when placed in the right pair of hands.
Somehow, the last thirty minutes always get to me (as in I crack, and droplets of water run down my face); this succinctly and intimate peek into the life of such a imperfect paragon will leave the audience aching and itching to run after a passion in their own lives that maybe they themselves have pushed away.
This is truly, sincerely a film that I would watch over and over again, and not tire of. Each time, there is more to unravel, more depth to each artist and subject, capturing minute details in the literal (and hypnotically captivating) photographs taken by Mr. Mapplethorpe that Ms. Timoner acquired.
There always runs the risk of well-known quotes spoken by the protagonist becoming lost in translation, or appearing too trite, on screen, but Mapplethorpe's phrases such as, "Beauty and the devil are the same thing," and, "...I hold hands with God" do not fall into that trap.
In the span of 102 minutes, Matt Smith pours every ounce of his impeccable talent into this role, beginning as a wide-eyed and bushy-tailed youngster and ending as an enfeebling, 42 year-old invalid that is still unbelievably loyal to his life's purpose. Smith even went as far as losing a fair amount of weight during filming, to achieve the authentically sickly appearance, which is one of countless assets in and on this film that make it all the more genuine and memorable.
It is not only Smith's incredible delivery that made the film what it is, but the entire ensemble: Marianne Rendón, who shares such a touching chemistry with Smith on-screen, that it is impossible to look away. John Benjamin Hickey, is intimately humane playing Sam Wagstaff, Mapplethorpe's longtime partner in all respects. Timoner included Hari Nef, too, whose underrated recognition becomes rightfully and colorfully acknowledged in the duration of the picture. Those are only a handful of the many outstanding performances given, each portrayal's heart on their sleeve.
In short, there is no one else right for the role to so immaculately tell Mr. Mapplethorpe's story than Timoner. It's remarkable, what a feat a biopic can turn out to be when placed in the right pair of hands.