Watch Thomas Hart Benton

Thomas Hart Benton is a 1988 biographical documentary film that explores the life and work of the titular artist, Thomas Hart Benton. The film is directed by Ken Mandel and features interviews with scholars, art historians, and Benton's contemporaries. The film serves not only as a documentary on the life of Benton but also as a historical look at American art during his heyday.

The movie starts with Benton's early life and education. Benton was born in Neosho, Missouri, in 1889, to a family of politicians, including his great-uncle, who was a senator during the Civil War. Benton had a privileged upbringing and was exposed to art from a young age. He studied at the Art Institute of Chicago and later in Paris, where he was introduced to the works of the Old Masters.

The film then looks at his career as an artist. Benton is known for his murals, which are large-scale works that incorporate scenes from history, folklore, and everyday life. Benton's murals often featured working-class people, and he was known for his ability to depict the American landscape. Benton's style is characterized by his use of bold colors and energetic, fluid lines.

As the film progresses, we see how Benton's work evolved over time. He experimented with different mediums, including lithography and sculpture, and focused on different themes. Benton was a prolific artist, and his work spanned several decades. The film shows us examples of his murals, including those he painted for the Missouri State Capitol and the New School for Social Research in New York City.

The film also explores Benton's personal life. Benton was married to Rita Piacenza, who was also an artist. Both of them were passionate about their work, which often led to conflicts in their relationship. Benton was also known for his political views, which were often controversial. He was a supporter of the New Deal and created several murals that supported Franklin D. Roosevelt's policies.

Throughout the movie, we see how Benton's art reflects the social and political climate of America during his time. The film shows us examples of his work that depict Prohibition, the Great Depression, and World War II. Benton's art is a reflection of the American spirit, and his murals capture the vitality and energy of the people during his era.

The movie also explores Benton's legacy. We see how his art influenced other artists, including Jackson Pollock and Willem de Kooning. Benton's style was a departure from the European traditions that dominated American art at the time. He believed that art should be accessible to everyone and should reflect the lives of ordinary people. Benton's work paved the way for the American Regionalist movement, which celebrated the unique qualities of the American landscape and culture.

Overall, Thomas Hart Benton is an informative and engaging documentary that provides insight into the life and work of a significant American artist. The film uses archival footage, interviews with experts, and examples of Benton's work to give viewers a comprehensive look at his career. The film also contextualizes Benton's art by exploring the social and political landscape of his time. Benton's art captures the essence of America during his era, and the film does an excellent job of conveying that to viewers.

Thomas Hart Benton is a 1989 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 25 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2.