The story of Chris is a story of a family - mother and siblings - pulled apart, but cemented together by the legacy of their husband and father and his family before him. Chris just happens to be autistic, and sees things in a pure, refreshing way. Their father, who had a multitude of issues (some inherited from his father) lasted as long as he could. I got the feeling that his death was a gift to his family, so they could move forward with each other. I appreciated the use of the home movies, showing the history of how people come to be who they are. Then the best part - Chris emerges as an artist - a brilliant artist. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and if I had enough money, would gladly welcome one of Chris' pieces to my home.
3 Reviews
A very moving documentary
CharlotteSometimez25 May 2020
Lower your expectations, and then it might be OK
josiahkwhite18 April 2016
Have you ever seen a family's home movies from the 1920's? You know, the kind they drag out of the dusty basement, and then you end up thinking it probably wasn't worth the bother? Well, if you go into this movie thinking expecting that kind of "moldy oldie" experience, then you won't be disappointed. Even though this documentary resembles those old home movies in many ways, it's not that bad. There are many ways in which it's quite a bit better.
For one thing, it's realistic enough and detailed enough to provoke interesting discussions from viewers afterward -- discussions about family, wealth, and making the most of life.
For another, it's about the life of an unusual artist. It's about a man who successfully overcomes the kinds of mental challenges which often lead to someone being institutionalized.
And the artist, who's more or less the focus of the movie, is a sweet, innocent, and positive person. And nobody else in the movie is bad, either. It's certainly not one of those movies where none of the characters are likable.
But it really is like sitting through some old family movies. We almost didn't finish watching it. If you make it to the halfway point, it does improve a little after that.
For one thing, it's realistic enough and detailed enough to provoke interesting discussions from viewers afterward -- discussions about family, wealth, and making the most of life.
For another, it's about the life of an unusual artist. It's about a man who successfully overcomes the kinds of mental challenges which often lead to someone being institutionalized.
And the artist, who's more or less the focus of the movie, is a sweet, innocent, and positive person. And nobody else in the movie is bad, either. It's certainly not one of those movies where none of the characters are likable.
But it really is like sitting through some old family movies. We almost didn't finish watching it. If you make it to the halfway point, it does improve a little after that.
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