MOVIE REVIEW
Art Talent Show
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Genre: Documentary
Year Released: 2022, 2024 theatrically
Runtime: 1h 42m
Director(s): Adéla Komrzý, Tomáš Bojar
Language: Czech with English subtitles
Where To Watch: opens theatrically at New York’s DCTV on March 22, 2024

RAVING REVIEW: ART TALENT SHOW feels like being granted an all-access pass behind the scenes of the Prague Academy of Fine Arts. This documentary, crafted by Adéla Komrzý and Tomáš Bojar, navigates the turbulent waters of the academy's entrance exams. Here, dreams are pursued enthusiastically, but not without the occasional heartache. Strikingly, my journey through the film left me perched comfortably on the fence - it wasn't an all-consuming love affair, but I wasn't eager to part ways either. In the grand spectrum of documentaries, this one finds its niche right in the heart of the middle ground. Many people take issue when I rate something 1 2.5/5 and then say I didn’t hate it. Maybe I’m in the wrong, but to me, that is right in the middle; it’s a film I didn’t hate for any reason but also didn’t love.

Imagine peeking behind the curtain to witness the rigorous process that filters the next wave of artistic talent, that next generation that will shape what is and isn’t “art.” ART TALENT SHOW does just that, but it dives deeper, stirring the pot of philosophical debates and the essence of creativity that fuels the art world's future luminaries. The film alternates between the fresh, hopeful faces of applicants and the faculty's seasoned gaze, presenting a compelling exploration of the push and pull between creative insurgence and the established order.

Yet, the very crux of the film - its laser-focus on the evaluative conversations - occasionally hits a snag. The dialogue-heavy approach risks over-explanation, leaving viewers yearning for a deeper dive into the visual feast of the art in question. The filmmakers intended to foreground the discussions that encircle art, potentially sidelining the chance to captivate their audience visually.

When ART TALENT SHOW wades into the waters of societal issues through the prism of art education, it shines. Incorporating modern challenges into the curriculum signals a forward-thinking approach to what art education can and should entail. The film rides a line, uniquely positioned between being a universal message and alienating audiences who can’t put themselves in the shoes of the art world.

The documentary excels in humanizing the narrative. The palpable tension of the applicants contrasted with the faculty's analytical deliberations makes for an emotionally resonant experience. It navigates the age-old debate of tradition versus innovation in art, prompting viewers to reflect on art education's evolving role and purpose. What is art to you? If art is subjective, then who is to say what is and isn’t art?

ART TALENT SHOW resembles a well-executed sketch rather than a masterful painting. It's a thoughtful examination of the complexities surrounding art selection and education, albeit one that could benefit from a pinch more zest in its storytelling. This isn't to undercut the film's value but to acknowledge its role in the genre. For those intrigued by the mechanics of the art world, particularly the nuanced process of nurturing and recognizing talent, this documentary is a worthy watch - just temper your expectations and enjoy the nuanced exploration it offers.

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[photo courtesy of FILM MOVEMENT]

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