Though visually expansive, however, the film feels emotionally intimate.
63
RogerEbert.comGlenn Kenny
RogerEbert.comGlenn Kenny
Directed by Pappi Corsicato and executive produced, typically, by the subject himself, the movie is never uninteresting but is often surprisingly low-energy and, even more surprisingly, visually drab.
While Corsicato treats his subject extremely gently – there’s barely a hint of criticism of Schnabel and interviewees tout how controversial his work is without explaining why – his almost idyllic portrayal of Schnabel at work and play nevertheless makes for a largely seductive and engaging experience. But the lack of context often derails the entertaining film.
Rather than explore his place in the arts and balance all that adoration with insight, Corsicato opts for hero worship. The result is a visually exciting but emotionally monotonous film.
50
The Film StageJohn Fink
The Film StageJohn Fink
Despite the intimate, conversational style, A Private Portrait feels a bit cold and calculated, with a focus on celebrity versus art.
No commercials are shown during Julian Schnabel: A Private Portrait. They would only be redundant. Instead this documentary serves as a feature-length advertisement for the artist, and is about as daring as a billboard for skim milk.
12
Slant MagazineClayton Dillard
Slant MagazineClayton Dillard
The film is intended to be placed at the altar of Julian Schnabel, an artist so singular that words simply fail.