Gerhard Richter Painting (2011)

A documentary on the German artist that includes glimpses at his studio, which has not been seen in decades.

Director:

Corinna Belz

Writer:

Corinna Belz

Stars:

Gerhard Richter, Norbert Arns, Hubert Becker

2 wins & 1 nomination.

Cast

Cast overview:
Gerhard Richter	...	Self
Norbert Arns	...	Self
Hubert Becker	...	Self
Sabine Moritz-Richter	...	Self
Konstanze Ell	...	Self
Marian Goodman	...	Self
Benjamin Buchloh	...	Self
Kasper König	...	Self
Ulrich Wilmes	...	Self
Sandy Nairne	...	Self
Paul Moorhouse	...	Self

Storyline

A documentary on the German artist that includes glimpses at his studio, which has not been seen in decades.

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Plot Keywords:

f rated | 

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Genres:

Documentary

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Certificate:

Unrated

Did You Know?

Soundtracks

Spazio (I-IV)
Composed by Dietmar Bonnen
Performed by Dietmar Bonnen
© Obst Musik und Kunstproduktion

User Reviews

We are lucky we have this documentary

Many of the negative commentaries about this documentary assume that Richter wanted to be left alone and should be left alone; or alternatively, that Corinna Belz should have pried more intensely with "deep, probing" questions to Richter about the nature of his creativity, his technique, his background , etc. These objections show a certain lack of sensitivity and openness to what was actually offered in the documentary. In fact, at some point Richter complained that he did not behave as he normally would with the eye of the camera always around, and still the film got made! This was an act of incredible generosity and courage on Richter's part. Even while he remains circumspect, we do see him working. The whole voyeurism exercise could pose perhaps a risk to the evaluation of his work by posterity. It may also represent a teaching legacy for those who are able to learn from what they glimpse of his technique in the film. I can imagine that the director could have designed with the assistance of critics and scholars all kinds of challenging aesthetic questions, and risk a pedantic approach to the experience; but Ms. Belz chose a delicate touch in the end --indeed like the visit of a friend--and did not force the reactions of the artist. For those paying attention, there is a lot to learn from this film. However, beyond the recognition of Richter's generosity in letting us peep into his world, it is logical to believe that someone that looks so fit for his age, plans his exhibits in small scale, and works in such a clean architectural environment did keep the right to vet the final results in this film. Glimpses of his personal life are very few. His first two wives do not appear except in unlabeled portraits and you would not recognize them for who they are; his parents are mentioned briefly even though he did not see them again after his flight from East Germany; his young wife is an exquisite brief presence. In short, the film is probably a reflection of his disciplined persona.

For those who care to see what was offered without the bitterness of not having accomplished this themselves, there is much to be praised in this film. My only complain concerns the English supertitles, which were not done with care. They can barely be read in half of the film. I hope this will be corrected at some point.

Details

Official Sites:

Official site [Germany]

Country:

Germany

Language:

German English

Release Date:

14 March 2012 (USA)

Also Known As:

A Pintura de Gerhard Richter

Box Office

Opening Weekend USA:

$13,537, 18 March 2012

Gross USA:

$242,646

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$717,545

Company Credits

Production Co:

Zero One Film, Terz Film, Westdeutscher Rundfunk (WDR)

Technical Specs

Color:

Color Black and White