Review of Fur: An Imaginary Portrait of Diane Arbus (2006) by Loay O — 20 Apr 2008
(Non)-Biography / Drama about Diane Arbus (Kidman) who turns her back on her wealthy, established family, fand alls in with Lionel Sweeney (Downey Jr.), an enigmatic mentor who introduces her to the marginalized people who help her become one of the most revered photographers of the twentieth century.
Steven Shainberg's direction is creative and interesting, this movie works like a very strange dream rather than a serious study of Arbus's life. The subtext of Fur is the mystery of creativity.
This is a decidedly painterly film, with everything from Arbus's dresses to the evocative interiors of Lionel's museum/carnival-like apartment. It is visually stunning. But it remains flawed in many aspects.
Kidman gives another incredible performance, and who else could play Lionel Sweeney's uncanny character other than Robert Downey Jr. This movie wets the appetite for a film about the real Diane Arbus.
Bizarre, yet strangely appealing.
This review of Fur: An Imaginary Portrait of Diane Arbus (2006) was written by Loay O on 20 Apr 2008.
Fur: An Imaginary Portrait of Diane Arbus has generally received mixed reviews.
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