This is not a documentary. If you (unlike myself) are a versed art Historian, you may well have issues with some of Davis's choices regarding his portrayal of famous Art personalities. If, however, you simply enjoy a subtly crafted film that works by layering image, sound and metaphor, then this film is for you. It doesn't set out to clunkily 'explain' artistic motivations ( a wise choice from Mike Davis,-for who can ever really claim to know 'why' an artist does what he/she does) but rather presents an ethereal collage of colour, sound and minimal script and allows the audience to draw its own conclusions about the life and motivations of Modigliani and those surrounding him. Garcia does a credible job of bringing Modigliani's addict soul to the screen and for all his faults, is an eminently watchable actor throughout the 2hrs of screen time. Elsa Sylberstein is hauntingly beautiful (is somewhat challenged in the accent department), and the film's soundtrack (Operatica derived) perfect. A thoroughly enjoyable decadence,-best enjoyed with a bottle of red and some great chocolate.
Review of Modigliani
