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Alice Neel

Cinema Arts Centre
Huntington, NY

In Person: Filmmaker Andrew Neel

Alice Neel was one of the 20th centurys most influential and prolific portrait painters. Achieving some fame eventually, most of her life was a struggle to gain recognition. When abstract expressionism was in vogue, portrait paintings were regarded too conventional. Not fazed by trends, Ms. Neel painted unceasingly until her death in 1984. Using the canvas as a window into the depths of the human psyche, her portraits reflected the emotional intensity of her subjects. Passionately dedicated to her craft, Ms. Neel used her talent to illustrate the true self of an individual. Ironically, her image was often romanticized because of the great suffering she endured for the sake of art and the complexity of her personality was overlooked. Alice Neel, the new documentary directed by the late artists grandson, Andrew Neel, tries to transcend the myths of her life in order to unearth the more difficult and intimate aspects of the story. In addition to rare archival footage and interviews of Ms. Neel, the film offers fresh perspectives from close friends and renowned artists like Chuck Close. The interviews with her two sons, Hartley (Andrews father) and Richard Neel are especially valuable. Alice Neel was undoubtedly a difficult film to make. Indeed, Mr. Neel admits to having struggled violently in a creative sense during its production. Nevertheless, in the spirit of his tenacious grandmother, Mr. Neel manages to paint an intimate portrait that is penetrating and inspiring. Matthew Garklavs

USA, 2006, 75 min., color Director: Andrew Neel

Sponsored by Ginger and Stuart Polisner

Note: Tickets can also be purchased in person at the CAC Box Office during regular theater hours, or by calling Brown Paper Tickets at 1-800-838-3006.

Kid Friendly: No

Dog Friendly: No

Non-Smoking: No

Wheelchair Accessible: No

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