Watch American Masters: Tyrus

American Masters: Tyrus is a documentary film about the life and work of Chinese-American artist Tyrus Wong. The documentary delves into the fascinating journey of how the young Chinese immigrant, Tyrus Wong, became a vital part of American culture by creating the iconic art of Disney's animated classic 'Bambi'. The film is directed by Pamela Tom and was first premiered on PBS on 8th September 2017.

The documentary provides an insightful look into the life of Wong, who was born in Guangzhou, China, in 1910, and immigrated to America when he was just nine years old. The film covers his early struggles as an immigrant in Los Angeles and the challenging phases he went through before success. Tyrus was attracted to art and painting from a young age, and he used to spend his free time drawing and sketching things he saw around him. He found solace in this art and continued to pursue it despite the numerous hardships.

Wong's defining moment came when he was offered a scholarship to attend Otis Art Institute in Los Angeles. The documentary highlights Wong's creative talents and how he developed his unique style of blending traditional Chinese art and contemporary western techniques. His watercolor paintings were characterized by minimalism and sophistication, which helped to redefine the American art scene.

The film also explores Wong's career success in Hollywood. In the 1930s, Wong worked as a traffic artist for Hollywood studios, where he created eye-catching backdrops to advertisements and billboards. His unique artistic ability also led him to work on some of Hollywood's most significant films, including classics like Rebel without a cause and The Wild Bunch. What sets Wong apart from other artists is his versatility, which enabled him to work across so many different media successful, from fine art to Disney animations.

American Masters: Tyrus emphasizes the impact Wong had on American culture, capturing the attention of both the public and art critics alike. The most significant contribution he made was his work on Disney's Bambi, which became an instant classic upon its release in 1942. The documentary spends considerable time in exploring how Wong brought the forest and its delightful characters to life, using a different approach compared to other animators of the time.

The film is not only about Wong's extraordinary artistic talent but also about his personal life, his struggles and the type of man he was. The conversations with Wong's family and friends give anointed picture of the character of Wong, a man who lived his life with dignity, honor, and grace. The film includes interviews with actors, artists, and animators who had a profound impact on the entertainment industry. These interviews offer insights into Wong's legacy, how his work impacted future generations of artists and filmmakers.

One of the highlights of the documentary is its stunning visuals. Pamela Tom's direction brilliantly showcases Wong's artwork, his sketches, and other artwork in a way that makes you feel like you are standing right in front of them. The film also features some of the early Disney animation clips, where Wong's art shines through in its true form.

Furthermore, the film shows how Wong's art was influenced by his Chinese heritage and how he used it to portray his unique identity as an artist in the western culture. It features the incredible story of how his father had traveled a great distance to bring artwork with their family, which significantly influenced Wong's artistic style. One scene shows Wong going back to China to reconnect with his roots and to spread his art to the community he left many years ago.

In summary, American Masters: Tyrus is an emotional and insightful documentary capturing the life and work of Wong. It is a celebration of a man who's innovative and remarkable art has deeply influenced American culture in many ways. The film shows how Wong's art will continue to inspire future generations and be seen as valuable for generations to come. The documentary reinforces the idea that art is an essential part of the human expression, and its influence extends far beyond cultural and geographical boundaries.

American Masters: Tyrus is a 2018 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 18 minutes.