James Mcneill Whistler & The Case for Beauty

I didn't know who James Whistler was until today. I'm really glad I watched the documentary. I'm not an art student, an artist or fabulously rich patron of the arts. That said, it's why I am so glad there are documentaries so I can learn about people, things and places I didn't know before I watched. I think some folks (my friends, ahem) think documentaries are boring films that only teachers force one to watch.This doc is very well done. It uses believable reenactments and interviews art curators who are very excited about Whistler's processes and his work.

I really enjoyed this documetary! I had no idea what a versatile, innovative artist Whistler was for his time. It seems he was brilliant at any medium he tried (as well as very hard working when he wanted to master something). Knowing more about Whistler's life and career path leading up to "Whistler's Mother" gave the painting a whole new meaning. Seeing his life play out through the reenactment was entertaining and added a little fun to the usual documentary format. Enjoy!

Interesting and informative. Those like me with little or no art background should find it a great primer.

The best film biography of Whistler that I've seen - omits one key event in his life - his work at the US Coast Survey where he reputedly perfected his engraving skills following his dismissal from West Point - and other significant highlights (e.g., the Ruskin trial) and works of art (the Freer Peacock Room) could have received more attention to detail - but the events and behavior that are described and reenacted are well done and comprise an entertaining, if abbreviated, sketch of the artist, his distinctive personality, and his life's work. Worth the price of admission!

This was a delightful distillation of Whistler's life and career. It was informative and entertaining at the same time. It left me wanting more and learning more about his life. It explained how his mother became a famous painting, his friendship with Fantin latour and Rosetti, his great etchings and concepts that were so new for his time. It's worth watching if you are fascinated with the 19th century and it's artistic influences.

Well presented and enhanced my perception of Whistler. The story line was well thought out and makes the case for Whistler as more than a master, but the visionary responsible for the seeds of creation in more than one genre of art.

Familiar with Whistler's paintings, I was not aware of his life story. For instance, I did not know about his care free lifestyle or eccentric fashion tastes, such as wearing bows in his hair. In addition, I did not realize that many of his sketches were the impetus for the abstract movement. Watching this film, you will learn Whistler's intriguing background and his influence on artistic sketching and abstractism.

Very good summary of the life of J. M Whistler, and excellent selection of hisprints. Hara Seltzer