The Art of the Steal (2009)

Documentary that follows the struggle for control of Dr. Albert C. Barnes' 25 billion dollar collection of modern and post-impressionist art.

Director:

Don Argott

Stars:

Julian Bond, David D'Arcy, Richard Feigen

1 nomination.

Cast

Credited cast:
Julian Bond	...	Self - Chairman of the Board, NAACP
David D'Arcy	...	Self - Correspondent, The Art Newspaper
Richard Feigen	...	Self - World-Renowned Art Dealer (as Richard L. Feigen)
Richard H. Glanton	...	Self - Former President, Barnes Foundation
Christopher Knight	...	Self - Los Angeles Times
Ross L. Mitchell	...	Self - Former Director of Education, Barnes Foundation
Irv Nahan	...	Self - Former Teacher, Barnes Foundation
Harry Sefarbi	...	Self - Artist & Former Teacher, Barnes Foundation
John F. Street	...	Self - Mayor of Philadelphia (as John Street)
Nick Tinari	...	Self - Attorney & Former Barnes Foundation Student
Robert Zaller	...	Self - Professor of History & Politics, Drexel University (as Dr. Robert Zaller)

Storyline

Documentary that follows the struggle for control of Dr. Albert C. Barnes' 25 billion dollar collection of modern and post-impressionist art.

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Plot Keywords:

art | barnes foundation | 

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Taglines:

The true story of a multi-billion dollar art heist and how they got away with it.

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Genres:

Documentary

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Did You Know?

Connections

Featured in The Rotten Tomatoes Show: Dinner for Schmucks/Charlie St. Cloud/Get Low (2010)

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Soundtracks

Got Your Wealth
Written and performed by Lee Silver
Courtesy of pigFACTORY USA

User Reviews

Entertaining and well made if one sided

Interesting and entertaining look at how a bunch of the powerful in Philadelphia basically conspired to take one of the great modern art collections in the world away from it's home in the suburbs, , and transplant them into Philadelphia proper, against the express wishes left in Albert C. Barnes will (made in 1922).

While there's no question the tactics used by those in power are sleazy, the film also ignores what I consider a key issue: Is it really such a bad thing that one of the most amazing collections of modern art be much more accessible to the public, even if it violates the will of a man with no heirs who has been dead over 50 years? At what point do old grudges - going both ways - count less than art belonging to the world? I'm not saying there are neat answers to such questions, but the film acts like there's no moral murkiness at all.

Similarly the film uses questionable tactics to argue its case. For example it's constantly stating how those on the 'other side' refuse to be interviewed. Yet, it is clear that the ideology of the film-makers is known to all involved -- the film is financed by one of the leaders of the group fighting against the collections movement, and guards at a gathering of those planning the art move know not to allow in this specific film crew, even mentioning their production company name. If you knew you a film was being made whose basic premise is that you're a swindler a cheat and a thief with no respect for art, would you agree to be interviewed?

Additionally, some of those who seem so calm and well reasoned while being interviewed and arguing the art should be left where it is, seem a little less impressive when you see them outside that same gathering screaming 'philistines!' at those going inside.

None-the less, I still enjoyed the film, and there's no question it does a good job exposing the fact that many of our biggest public trusts and charitable institutions have a lot going on besides 'acting in the public interest', and are willing to play dirty pool to get what they want. I just find it hard to see this as a case of moral outrage to rank with the Iraq war, or starving children, or the U.S. educational crisis. It's basically rich people hating on rich people. Fun, but not as nutritious as all that.

Details

Official Sites:

MAJ Productions Official site

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

12 September 2009 (Canada)

Also Known As:

Искусство воровства

Filming Locations:

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA

Box Office

Opening Weekend USA:

$39,019, 28 February 2010

Gross USA:

$544,890

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$544,890

Company Credits

Production Co:

9.14 Pictures, Maj Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

101 min

Color:

Color