This film characterizes the minority artist fantastically. Minority in this case is found within a Phillipino artist within the art world of New York. How does the film deal with it? It doesn't. It lets the world explain itself in an introspective masterpiece. The film takes no stand on racism, exploitation, or identity politics...rather, it creates a space that can be easily interpreted by most any viewer. The work of Ocampo itself is amazingly bitter, vengeful, arrogant, graphic, heathenistic and beautiful. Does the history of the Phillipines come into play? For a short period it does. But the fact that Manuel spent most of his time in the U.S. means his art reflects that...and only vague memories blaze trails for Ocampo and his history in the Phillipines in his art. For those interested in good art and good storytelling, this is a film for you.
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