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International
Art Treasures Web Magazine November 2004 |
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Modigliani: The Movie
Andy Garcia's Modigliani is as complex a character as the subject himself. Garcia's Italian artist is infused with passion, for life, for his work and of course for love whether of lady, of friends or of needling his foes. The character is driven by his emotions and his art. Yet when his talent is queried his proud nature immediately jumps to the forefront, no matter what price he must pay. It clearly doesn't matter to Modigliani. Nothing matters but the art and his own arrogance. We want him to succeed despite his faults, despite his ego, despite all. Modigliani demands our understanding and he receives it. That is why this character needed Andy Garcia to tell his story. Andy Garcia's performance is among the best of his career. Garcia exposes the character's flaws while deftly making him sympathetic. Each time Modigliani fails Garcia humanizes him. Amedeo Modigliani was a great artistic talent. His idiosyncrasies are part and parcel of him. Would his passion for his craft be less if he weren't so passionate in life, for good or bad? It's a question that can never be answered. Modigliani, the movie faces the issue of telling a story in a brief time as accurately as possible. The story takes place during the later stages of Modigliani's life. Highlighting the artist's angst should be a major portion of the narrative and it is.
Amedeo Modigliani grew up poor and faced discrimination, as an Italian Jew, throughout his short life. He could be fiercely loyal and loving though also cruel and his own worst enemy. His talent was unappreciated and overshadowed by Pablo Picasso's success.
Each artist is passionate about their craft, involved with a woman and fiercely competitive with everyone around them. The crux of the story is a contest among some of the famous artists found among the Montmartre nightlife of Paris. Who will enter? What will they paint? Who will win?
Omid Djalili, as Pablo Picasso, creates a jealous and egotistical character who is both Modigliani's friend and arch-rival. Picasso has found success with his artworks, Modigliani has not. It leads to a game of rivalry and one-upmanship where victory is brief and the cost is invariably paid by both artists and those close to both of them. At times Picasso is helpful, such as introducing Modigliani to Auguste Renoir, in a moment of genuine respect and yet is also vengeful towards his fellow artist. The character of Picasso is infused with a multitude of emotions and Omid Djalili makes every moment believable. Humans can be both kind and cruel and that is rarely portrayed as accurately as in Modigliani. Perhaps Djalili's portrayal is best summed up as effectively demonstrating it is possible to hate your friends and respect your enemies even when they are one in the same.
As the preparation for the contest begins many of the artist's face their inner demons, eventually leading to a skillful assembly of each artist alone but for their subject in their own space. Their creativity is expressed as they work on their entry to the contest. The scenes go back and forth between each of the competing artists as they inspire and perspire over their masterpiece knowing the competition is tough. This ensemble collection of scenes is simply incredible and a joy to watch.
Modigliani, the movie is as creative and inspiring as the artist it portrays. Current Release Schedule: September 29, 2004: France December 3, 2004: Los Angeles December 2004: Germany Early 2005: Scandinavia, Benelux, Italy and Japan.
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