This was a really really well done documentary on a really under-done subject. And why?? I don't the hell know! Art, artists and especially the passion of New York City artists in particular should render interest in any creative person. Artists continue to create despite societal circumstances. This movie shows this reality. It defines the Antagonist Movement, as an anti-establishment, underground, almost anarchist movement, reminding me of Andre the Giant sticker phenomenon of the late 80's in NYC. The more you see the repetition of the image...the better. This then leads to the symbolism of the Doll itself. Repetition breeds familiarity. So if the mass market can blast us, why can't the underground movement do it as well? Blast those Dolls! I think that Minsker and his posse just want to get their art out there. They want to be recognized. They want people to know that they continue to create in spite of it all. Lets not forget the plight of the artist! Thank you Minsker and the Antagonists for this important cause. The film itself was a work of art too. Collaged together, beautifully edited, and with a kick-ass soundtrack. Nicely done!
12 Reviews
An intimate look at the artistic lifestyle
hanfordmegan-114 January 2012
This movie follows the mounting of an international art project spearheaded by the art group, The Antagonist Movement. It features interviews with artists of multiple national backgrounds who all have at least one thing in common - the overwhelming drive to make art, even at the cost of a more traditional and predictable life.
The project itself is fascinating - The Antagonist Movement sent blank canvas dolls to artists all over the world with the instructions to change them however they wanted to. The results are wildly different, and show a wide variety of artistic visions. It's a must see for all artists and art lovers, and it also features an awesome soundtrack.
The project itself is fascinating - The Antagonist Movement sent blank canvas dolls to artists all over the world with the instructions to change them however they wanted to. The results are wildly different, and show a wide variety of artistic visions. It's a must see for all artists and art lovers, and it also features an awesome soundtrack.
must see for artists and fans of the arts
evolutionprints13 January 2012
An impressive massive undertaking that spanned multiple countries. This group shed literal blood to show the world what it means to be an artist. Too many people care about the end result of the artistic process. With this movie The Antagonists show the viewer the complete opposite, the arduous journey.
This film is not about a flashy commercial artist's life like Andy Warhol. Instead it follow the not as glorious group of people that have to work and fight for all they have, which most of the time does not wield financial rewards but supplies something that money can't. I am truly envious of this groups trip.
This film is not about a flashy commercial artist's life like Andy Warhol. Instead it follow the not as glorious group of people that have to work and fight for all they have, which most of the time does not wield financial rewards but supplies something that money can't. I am truly envious of this groups trip.
Fast paced documentary that tracks an international group of artists as they prepare for a group show in Lisbon, Portugal
sallycoffeecup22 October 2011
This fast paced documentary covers a lot of territory in a short time. The film includes great animation, stop-camera action and an original soundtrack. About 100 handmade dolls, with a blank canvas covering, were distributed to artists in New York, Portugal, Germany, France, Italy and Equator. Each artist made their doll into a unique piece of art, reflective of their individual artistic style and statement. The film interviews some of the artists in their studios, capturing their struggles and achievements. The artists then came together in Lisbon, Portugal to exhibit their art dolls in an international group show. The film was produced under the auspices of the Antagonist Movement, Inc., a collective of artists, filmmakers and writers based in New York City. It demonstrates what can be achieved by creative people committed to their art and their community of fellow artists. Inspirational and entertaining, this film should be watched by anyone who is an artist, wants to be an artist or simply loves art and good films. People who enjoyed Exit Through the Gift Shop or Style Wars will love this film.
The Dolls Are Coming!
boogeyman93013 January 2012
The idea is simple enough, show the world the true life of the artist. There are a million ways that one could have gone about making a film like this. Ethan Minsker however chose a somewhat unusual tool to bring this film and message to life, a lanky canvas doll.
Bend and cut some wire, bandage bloodied cuts, wrap in fluffing, cut up canvas and sew on new skin. These were the ingredients to create the star and instrument of this film, The Doll. By sending these ingenious works of art around the world to different artists The Antagonists have created a truly unique show. Each piece as drastically different as it's creator, but all began as the same plain canvas figure.
This is a must see journey for artists of all types.
Bend and cut some wire, bandage bloodied cuts, wrap in fluffing, cut up canvas and sew on new skin. These were the ingredients to create the star and instrument of this film, The Doll. By sending these ingenious works of art around the world to different artists The Antagonists have created a truly unique show. Each piece as drastically different as it's creator, but all began as the same plain canvas figure.
This is a must see journey for artists of all types.
More Than Just an Art Doc
kbrzoznowski14 January 2012
While the documentary genre is among my favorite for films, a lot of art docs out there have failed to impress. This one, however, goes beyond just an art showcase; it has depth and direction. I found myself interested in the people behind the work, not just in the work itself. The film doesn't "glamourize" the art world either, like most others do. It shows the highs and lows of what it actually takes to pull together an art show and work with other artists. It makes you want to learn more about the other projects this group is involved with. The stylistic elements used and the way the film is shot are part of the art as well. The film gives you a real sense of how art exhibits come together, what artists go through and how they view the art world as a whole.
Small doll, big idea
wallineric26 October 2011
It's a hard thing to follow your passion and do what you love, especially when it is seldom financially rewarded. "The Dolls of Lisbon", inspired by the Zapatista Doll figures of Mexico, is an intimate look at the struggling artist in New York City and around the world put together by The Antagonist Movement of NYC. This massive worldwide art project about a small doll with a big idea behind it brings so many lone souls together, and gives you a look at a world that few experience. It is also interesting to find out what so many different minds envision when they look at these blank canvas figures, and how different the end products vary. The great score, 8mm film and stop motion sequences make this a truly unique film about a passionate group of people.
Temporary Autonomous Zone
carlos_alcobia31 January 2012
As the curator for the Project "Dolls of Lisbon" I must state that Ethan Minsker's film was a long awaited venue.
The reasons had mainly to do with the necessary visual archive that is fundamental for projects of this nature, the possibility of expanding the project to other "publics" and, most important, as a tool to provide further readings of it.
"The Dolls of Lisbon" was an experience lab. A space made of meetings and intersections. A geography created only by the impulse to CREATE and to SHARE. From the roots of this idea in NY, to the arrival in Portugal, and going by the other paths that lead to Ecuador and Germany, I see on this film the emotional mapping of this Antagonist project.
Just after watching the preview I congratulated Ethan Minsker mainly for two reasons: a)For accomplishing his "vision" (and it was a very hard road to get here) b)For the ending of the film where the cadence of the human nature reveals itself
Yes, "The dolls of Lisbon" was a temporary space of autonomy. Autonomous for its experimental side. Temporary for the sense of afterward that the film brilliantly provides.
Ethan's work shows us the importance of discovering these new geographies and fight for renewed collective utopias.
And I thank him for that.
The reasons had mainly to do with the necessary visual archive that is fundamental for projects of this nature, the possibility of expanding the project to other "publics" and, most important, as a tool to provide further readings of it.
"The Dolls of Lisbon" was an experience lab. A space made of meetings and intersections. A geography created only by the impulse to CREATE and to SHARE. From the roots of this idea in NY, to the arrival in Portugal, and going by the other paths that lead to Ecuador and Germany, I see on this film the emotional mapping of this Antagonist project.
Just after watching the preview I congratulated Ethan Minsker mainly for two reasons: a)For accomplishing his "vision" (and it was a very hard road to get here) b)For the ending of the film where the cadence of the human nature reveals itself
Yes, "The dolls of Lisbon" was a temporary space of autonomy. Autonomous for its experimental side. Temporary for the sense of afterward that the film brilliantly provides.
Ethan's work shows us the importance of discovering these new geographies and fight for renewed collective utopias.
And I thank him for that.
a documentary about making a art project, not just the art
talcobia18 May 2012
This is a great documentary that shows how a independent group can create their own show and take it on the road. The Antagonist Movemente did it by simply congregating different people with the urge to create, giving them a challenge. And trough their challenge it became clear that it's not the frontiers that really differentiate people, specially artists, but their unique personality, that leads them to work. Theirs is the first push that can lead to many different results, and the struggle to create a record of what and how it happened. For the all the steps to the final exhibition are accomplishments in themselves, and it's only a pity that there's no possibility of seeing more of each one of them.
Dolls abroad in the streets & art galleries inspiring ...
laterallie17 July 2012
Never heard of The Antagonist Art Movement until I became aware of Ethan H Minsker and read his book "Barstool Prophets." (a gem, by the way, which caused me to invest in his first book "Rich Boy Cries For Mamma.") A posse of passionate renegades antagonizing others into making art. Turns out the dude makes a lot of films too, about art and music and all the things I cant get enough of. "The Dolls of Lisbon" follows some party-loving artists to various parts of the globe especially Lisbon where they interact with local artists who have decorated, created, painted canvas & wire dolls that Ethan sewed together in his NYC home. The trip culminates in a wildly successful art festival. These dolls on the prowl are incredible, you will want to make one, too! The film is about art, who is making it, the movement, the creative process, the organizing & promoting of a festival and it is all juxtaposed into one fast, fun gumbo, visually delightful and sonically pleasing and uber cool. Get on it!
A brilliant and underrated documentary
hannahhightman28 August 2023
As someone who loves both dolls and art, perhaps I am a little biased, but I think that this documentary definitely deserves more attention than it got. I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys art documentaries. I had a natural affinity for the central motif of the film, the blank canvas dolls that were given to artists all over the world, and I enjoyed seeing how each artist brough the dolls to life in their own distinctive way. A major theme of Minsker's work is this idea of community and the importance of being there for people, and this documentary really exemplifies the power of artists supporting artists.
Whole new meaning to "group project."
ashleeplus129 August 2013
Humbling. Intimate. Lovesome. Just a couple of words that immediately come to mind when attempting to describe The Dolls of Lisbon.
Unfamiliar as to The Antagonist Movement, Ethan Minsker, and the film before the 2013 VTIFF, this pleasant surprise really made that fest for me.
This journey genuinely captures the essence of life as an artist. Life of an artist as it really is. Something for which this film certainly deserves praise. The personal drive is so amazing. I loved watching the waiting game, and the rewarding turnaround.
Visually and emotionally stimulating, with a jammin' soundtrack to boot.
I can't wait to see what's next!
Unfamiliar as to The Antagonist Movement, Ethan Minsker, and the film before the 2013 VTIFF, this pleasant surprise really made that fest for me.
This journey genuinely captures the essence of life as an artist. Life of an artist as it really is. Something for which this film certainly deserves praise. The personal drive is so amazing. I loved watching the waiting game, and the rewarding turnaround.
Visually and emotionally stimulating, with a jammin' soundtrack to boot.
I can't wait to see what's next!
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