Review of Mapplethorpe: Look at the Pictures (2016) by Ian H — 04 Apr 2016

An excellent biopic that succeeds in providing some context to the artist's iconic work through a straightforward narrative of a life that was driven by and inextricably tied to his artistic journey.

Mapplethorpe's portrait is well-drawn, without succumbing to the temptation of over-editorializing, and painted with the documentation provided by his own work and through the words of those that were close to him and drawn into the unabateable vortex of his charismatic energy, incredible vision, and raw ambition. Despite his life being cut short at the age of 42, Mapplethorpe left a massive footprint with a tremendously influential body of work, which the filmmakers use effectively to convey a sense of the courage, perfectionism, and pure will that drove him headlong into exploring the boundaries of society, art, sexuality, his own life, and, ultimately, even in the unflinching documentation of his own impending death.

The biography is neatly framed by the 1990 obscenity trial that vindicated and solidified his indelible mark on the world. Unlike most portrayals of the event that tend to describe Mapplethorpe as an exhibit at his own freakshow, the filmmakers show good judgement in describing the trial as more of a footnote to an expansive artistic life and as an expressive monument to the immense power and impact of his subversive and provocative work.

Mapplethorpe: Look at the Pictures may just be a tiny glimpse into the rich interior landscape and knoweable, documented life of Robert Mapplethorpe, but it's definitely worth taking.