Watch Dirty Pictures

Dirty Pictures is a biographical drama released in 2000. The story revolves around the life and work of the renowned American photographer Robert Mapplethorpe. The movie chronicles the artist's personal and professional life, including his controversial obsession with erotic photography and homosexuality, which sparked a heated national debate on censorship and artistic freedom.

The movie begins with a glimpse of Robert's childhood, where he discovers his interest in photography. As he grows up, Robert, played by James Woods, moves to New York to pursue his dream of becoming a renowned photographer. Here, he starts to experiment with his camera, capturing images of his lovers, friends, and acquaintances. Despite the social taboos, Robert finds a group of like-minded individuals who share his passion for unconventional art; amongst these people, he establishes close relationships with Patti Smith, Sam Wagstaff, and Peter Berlin.

Through stunning black and white visuals, the movie depicts Robert's journey towards becoming a critically acclaimed photographer. His erotic photographs spark controversy and are met with outrage in conservative circles. This leads to a public debate around freedom of expression and censorship. The city's art establishments reluctantly host his exhibitions with the police on the lookout for any inappropriate images.

Meanwhile, Robert is battling with his own personal demons. He is struggling with his identity and health issues, and his relationships become clouded by the looming threat of AIDS. Through all of this, he continues to create thought-provoking images that challenge society's perception of art.

The movie also captures Robert's relationship with his brother Edward, played by Craig T. Nelson, who disapproves of Robert's lifestyle and his photos. The tension between the brothers is palpable, and James Woods brilliantly portrays Robert as a man who is unapologetic and steadfast in his beliefs.

Ann Marin plays Patti Smith, an American singer, poet, and Robert's close friend. Patti's relationship with Robert is depicted with utmost sincerity, and the portrayal of their deep friendship is one of the movie's highlights.

At its core, Dirty Pictures is a movie about the pursuit of artistic expression and the price one has to pay for it. It is a poignant reminder of the struggles of artists against the social norms and the power of art in defiance of censorship. Through Robert's story, the movie questions the limits of freedom of expression and the boundaries of art.

The film received critical acclaim for its honest and nuanced portrayal of Robert Mapplethorpe's life. The visual style stays true to the artist's own aesthetic, with beautifully directed sequences of his photographs, and the performances of the cast are nuanced and impactful. Dirty Pictures is a must-watch for anyone interested in the intersection of art, society, and human experience.

Dirty Pictures is a 2007 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 44 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.5.