Watch Bob Ross: Happy Accidents, Betrayal & Greed

Bob Ross: Happy Accidents, Betrayal & Greed is a heart-wrenching documentary from 2021 that dives into the life and legacy of Bob Ross, the beloved painter who captured the hearts of millions across the world. The documentary sheds light on the complex world of commercial art and the ugly side of it that Ross was forced to endure. Through interviews with family, friends, colleagues, and those who were involved in Ross's life and career, the film reveals a story of a man who remained true to his art until his untimely death and exposes the greed and betrayal that surrounded him in his final years.

The documentary is directed by Joshua Rofé, who seamlessly weaves together archival footage, interviews, and original art to tell a compelling story that both captivates and educates its viewers. The director's approach is respectful and objective, allowing the people closest to Ross to share his story in an honest and authentic way.

The film explores Ross's early life, including his time in the military, his training under William Alexander, and his eventual success with The Joy of Painting. It goes on to examine the unexpected surge in Ross's popularity following his death, as well as the ongoing legal battles between his second wife, Jane, and his son, Steve.

One of the most fascinating aspects of the documentary is the focus on Ross's creative process. Through interviews with his friends and colleagues, the film reveals the intense pressure he was under to produce new paintings for each episode of The Joy of Painting, as well as the magic he brought to the canvas with his wordplay and soothing speaking voice. The documentary also reveals his incredible talent for improvisation, which allowed him to create complex paintings in just a few hours.

But the documentary also delves into the darker side of Ross's life. He spent years fighting cancer and later suffered a stroke, which led to his declining health in his final years. Despite being the public face of The Joy of Painting, Bob Ross was plagued with problems of trust and control, which the documentary lays bare, as we see how certain individuals took advantage of his fame and success.

The documentary boldly tackles the controversy surrounding Ross's legacy, including the long-standing rumors that he was unhappy with the deal he signed with his network and that he was forced to adopt a certain on-screen persona. It's a revealing look at the changing face of TV, and how one of the most beloved American icons of his time fell prey to it.

Bob Ross: Happy Accidents, Betrayal & Greed is also a portrait of the man behind the brush. Viewers discover Ross's genuine love and respect for nature, his enduring faith, and his aversion to negativity. Through his art, he taught viewers to find beauty in the world around them and dispensed worldly advice in his distinctive calm voice.

From his signature afro to his gentle demeanor and quiet intensity, Bob Ross entered the homes of millions of Americans and inspired a generation of painters. This documentary captures Bob Ross's kindhearted personality as well as his powerful influence, with thoughtful remembrance from his family, friends, and fellow artists.

Overall, Bob Ross: Happy Accidents, Betrayal & Greed is a beautifully crafted, informative, and engaging tribute to the beloved painter who brought so much joy to so many people. It explores his successes and struggles, his unquestionable talent, and his ultimately tragic ending. A must-watch for any fan of the painter or the creative community in general.

Bob Ross: Happy Accidents, Betrayal & Greed is a 2021 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 33 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.9 and a MetaScore of 55.