High Art
Lisa Cholodenko / US, CA, 1998
The Gaze is a series showcasing how gay, lesbian and transgender filmmakers have helped shape film history. This edition focuses on High Art, Lisa Cholodenko’s portrait of has-been photographer Lucy who embarks on a complicated relationship with her neighbour Syd. A collaboration with Pink Film Days. The film is introduced by Nina Polak (culture correspondent for De Correspondent).
Lucy Berliner, once a well-known photographer, lives in Manhattan with her lover Greta, once a successful actress who moved in Fassbinder”s circles. The two are addicted to heroin and life has become pretty meaningless. Playing a board game after their daily fix is about the most they can manage.
Meanwhile downstairs neighbour Syd needles her way into the ruined Heroin Chic life of Lucy and Greta. As the photo editor of the magazine Frame, she is determined to relaunch Lucy”s career. Syd”s arrival on the scene adds pressure on the relationship between Lucy and Greta, even more so when Lucy initiates Syd in the ways of Sapphic love … Who is using who?
Cholodenko”s first feature film was hailed by the renowned film critic Roger Ebert as a truthful portrait of lesbian love: “High Art is so perceptive and mature it makes similar films seems flippant”.
The film is introduced by Nina Polak (1986), who works for De Groene Amsterdammer and contributes to De Correspondent. Polak is the author of a novel, We zullen niet te pletter slaan.
Details
Director
Lisa Cholodenko
Production year
1998
Country
US, CA
Original title
High Art
Subtitles
NLD
Format
35mm
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