Review of The Art of the Steal (2010) by Lisa W — 01 Mar 2011

This is an immensely entertaining advocacy documentary about how the amazing and priceless art collection of the Barnes Foundation, a private foundation outside Philadelphia, was basically stolen, to be relocated in Philadelphia proper, "for the public interest.

" The film is unabashedly one-sided, and the viewer is swept up into its POV. The director manages to make what could be a very dry and boring subject into almost a thriller. Months after watching this, I'm still angry that art purchased by an individual and specifically designated to his foundation in perpetuity in his well-crafted will could be taken in the most shady of ways.

A great look at wealth and corruption in our nation's cities.