Customer Reviews

Face to Face With Giacometti [VHS]

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I agree with the other two reviewers that anyone interested in art or Giacometti should see this video. It is very moving to see the great sculptor and painter's gestures and facial expressions, and to see him in his studio surrounded by his work.

BE ADVISED, HOWEVER: If you understand French and expected (as I did) to be able to listen to Giacometti's voice, you will be deeply disappointed and probably infuriated (as I was) that the producers did not have the artistic integrity to use subtitles when Giacometti was speaking. Instead, they resort to a voice-over. As a result, each time Giacometti speaks, you can only hear him say a few words before the sound of his voice is covered over by the British narrator attempting to mimic Giacometti's responses to questions.

There were only two films made of Giacometti. One is by the Swiss, Ernst Scheidegger. It is very difficult to locate in this country (some university libraries have it, but it is not commercially available). The other was made by Jean-Marie Drot. The producers of the Montparnasse series apparently bought the rights to the Drot film. You would think that owning the rights to such a unique piece of history, the producer (who supposedly prides himself on making quality art films) would have recognized that hearing Giacometti talk was as important as seeing him. Also, most people buying a video which is part of the "Montparnasse Revisited" series are probably going to have a passing knowledge of French. Did the producer think that having subtitles would make it less marketable? What a morononic decision. What a shame.

I saw this film about three years ago and it hasn't left my mind since. You can look at dozens of photographs of the artist in his studio or at a local cafe, but it isn't until you put his visage together with his voice, his mannerisms, his facial expressions, and the way he responds to a question that you begin to sense what he was really about. Giacometti was a rarity, "the last of his kind" as he put it and represents something that may be too often passed off as cliche--a man trying, without pretention, to come to terms with himself in an infinite and disinterested universe. Why four stars instead of five? Because it just wasn't long enough. And I never would've guessed he didn't have any front teeth.

This is the only video of the late great artist. If you are an artist you must see this video! This is the single most moving interview from one of the greatest men that ever lived. Giacometti gives us a small insight into his world,and what being an artist is all about. No words can describe seeing him alive and working. After this video you know what greatness is.