The independent film Mr. Art Critic was released on DVD a couple of weeks ago. Now, normally I don't "do" video reviews, but this opportunity was too good to pass up for several reasons. First, I have an extremely short, top secret list of art critics whose reviews I love to loathe and so was wondering if this comedy might shed some light on their ceaseless causticity. (The answer: not really; this isn't a documentary.)
Secondly, I was curious to see a comedic treatment applied to the terribly, terribly serious business of reviewing gallery shows and juried competitions. We've probably all seen works--and audience behavior--at both that required muffled coughing of us to stifle fits of inappropriate laughter, and we've doubtlessly all read reviews that seemed to be written about a completely different event. Could Mr. Art Critic deliver a solid 90 minutes built around these inside jokes? (The answer: yes. Deliciously so.)
Finally (upcoming shameless plug warning), aside from some opening footage shot in Chicago and a highway montage, Mr. Art Critic was filmed on location in Traverse City and Mackinac Island, Michigan. Richard Brauer, who wrote and directed the movie, lives and works in the area, and nearly all of the cast and crew are Michiganders. As am I. We share a beautiful corner of the Wolverine State, and I'm delighted to think of you viewing scene after scene of one of the most charming, picturesque spots we have to offer: Mackinac Island. If you've never visited, we all hope that you will.
For Your Reading and Viewing Pleasure:- Mr. Art Critic review
- Mr. Art Critic trailer
- Brauer Productions, Inc. website
- The Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau
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