07-06-01 Fur: An Imaginary Portrait of Diane Arbus (2006)

Seen: May 27th,2007
Format: DVD
Rating: 8

As the title suggests, this is a completely fictitious rendering of part of Diane Arbus' life, particularly the part where she breaks from her normal existence and spreads her artistic wings. I'm not familiar with Arbus. I continually wanted to know what parts of the film were real, or at least founded in reality, and which weren't.

I haven't a clue, which means I'll need to do my own research. Which is good.

But who really cares? The film doesn't portray itself as authoritative or accurate. At least, unlike some other recent films concerning real characters, it doesn't present itself otherwise. I you don't have any background about Arbus, it's easy to just consider it a film, enjoy it for what it is, and worry about the rest later. I did.

And what a story. The nice thing about denying any links to reality is that it frees the film to go where it may. And go it does. There's nothing fantastic here. It all could have happened , to someone. But the scenario is bizarre and because of that, magical. The fact that Arbus enters into her friendship with Lionel and the way that friendship develops and expands, explores her character more than I've seen in film in a while. There's true depth here. True exposure, revelation and change.

And she's not the only one. Her family is pulled through the wringer as well. And Lionel changes also.

There's a powerful message here, one that I've taken to heart. Face the thing that frightens you. Understand it and why it frightens you. Confront it and learn from it. Often it's the thing that either defines you, or by which you define yourself.

Kidman is incredible here. I keep forgetting what a great actress she can be. Robert Downey Jr. shows us again how adept he is. Few other actors could have taken Lionel and played him this well.

Production Design should be noted as it's fantastic. Steven Shainberg brings it all together. This is a strong followup to Secretary, he's a director to watch.

This film isn't for everyone, but everyone should see it anyway. The point of the film is what may make you avoid it in the first place. Watch it and try to look past the weirdness and find the things that are a part of all of us.

The Good: Great acting in the face of weirdness

The Bad: Where are the boundaries?

The Ugly: Culture clash