Alice Neel (2007)

The life and work of Alice Neel (1900-1984), American portrait painter. Part of the narration is chronological, part consists of interviews with friends, other artists, scholars, and family... See full summary »

Director:

Andrew Neel

Writer:

Andrew Neel

Stars:

Alice Neel, Michel Auder, Phillip Bonosky

1 win.

Cast

Credited cast:
Alice Neel	...	Herself (archive footage)
Rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Michel Auder	...	Himself
Phillip Bonosky	...	Himself
Chuck Close	...	Himself
Marlene Dumas	...	Herself
Cristina Lancella	...	Herself
Jeremy Lewison	...	Himself
Juan Martinez	...	Himself
Andrew Neel	...	Himself (voice)
Hartley Neel	...	Himself
Richard Neel	...	Himself
Linda Nochlin	...	Herself
Robert Storr	...	Himself

Storyline

The life and work of Alice Neel (1900-1984), American portrait painter. Part of the narration is chronological, part consists of interviews with friends, other artists, scholars, and family members, particularly two sons, Richard and Hartley, who are none too sanguine about their childhood and their mother's Bohemian life, and the filmmaker himself, a grandson whose querulous voice is heard from time to time. The film also includes footage of Neel, later in life, painting, talking, appearing on television, and giving lectures. Throughout, we see her paintings, bold, frank, and direct. After years of poverty and obscurity, fame comes as she nears 70.

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Plot Keywords:

painting | portrait | artist | topless female nudity | suicide | 

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Genres:

Documentary

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Details

Official Sites:

Official site

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

22 May 2009 (UK)

Box Office

Opening Weekend:

$6,654 (USA) (27 April 2007)

Gross:

$48,969 (USA) (24 August 2007)

Company Credits

Production Co:

SeeThink Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

81 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

User Reviews

Fine biography

This was such a fine biography of a really ordinary women. The close-ups the film maker chose were familiar to those who love the subject's work and that of Chuck Close, one of the commentators. Alice Neel was actually a woman from an ordinary background, but this film pointed out the extraordinary contributions it's possible for such women to make. All it takes is the ability to recognize that no one can define you; Alice Neel was able to be a loving mother as well as an extraordinary artist. The work was close to the film maker, but it had the feeling of objectivity. I especially enjoyed the interaction between his father and the film maker and the scene of the grandmother and her grandson. Enjoy!