Watch High Art
- R
- 1998
- 1 hr 41 min
-
6.6 (11,061)
High Art is a critically acclaimed independent drama movie released in 1998, directed by Lisa Cholodenko. The movie stars Radha Mitchell, Ally Sheedy, and Patricia Clarkson, all of whom delivered exceptional performances. The movie tells the story of an ambitious and aspiring young magazine editor, Syd (Radha Mitchell), who is trying to make a name for herself in the New York art scene.
The movie opens with Syd, who has a boyfriend named James, moving into a new apartment. While exploring the building's rooftop, she meets her upstairs neighbor, a charismatic photographer named Lucy (Ally Sheedy), who has been living as a recluse for years after her successful career in the past. Syd is immediately drawn to Lucy's beauty, creative energy, and reputation.
As Syd starts to spend more time with Lucy, she's introduced to an eclectic group of people who are a part of the New York art scene. By doing so, she finds herself gradually drawn into a gritty and alluring world of drugs, sex, and avant-garde art that she finds both thrilling and terrifying. She becomes increasingly infatuated with Lucy, and her admiration and attraction to the older woman develop into an intense, illicit affair.
As Syd gets deeper into the art world, her job begins to suffer, and she starts to neglect her relationship with James. Lucy, on the other hand, who has been living with her drug-addicted German girlfriend, Greta (Patricia Clarkson), after a long period of seclusion, struggles with her addiction, and Syd becomes concerned about her well-being.
The movie is a complex exploration of love, relationships, desire, and art, all set against the backdrop of New York City's edgy art scene. The characters are multifaceted, and the relationships portrayed in the film are raw, real and emotionally dynamic. Ally Sheedy is brilliant as Lucy Berliner - a jaded, self-destructive, beautiful young woman with a magnetic personality, and Radha Mitchell is excellent as Syd, whose love for Lucy is a catalyst for her self-realization and artistic awakening.
Patricia Clarkson is also outstanding as Greta, Lucy's girlfriend, whose talent has been overshadowed by her drug addiction, but who ultimately plays an essential role in the relationships unfolding in the movie.
The film also has a strong visual style, reinforced by the use of muted colors, shadowy lighting, and unconventional camera angles, which add to the narrative's tension and intrigue. The soundtrack for the movie is also phenomenal, featuring songs from iconic artists such as Radiohead, My Bloody Valentine, and Portishead.
Overall, High Art is a beautifully crafted, intellectually challenging film that explores the complexities of love, desire, art, and self-discovery. The film celebrates artistic expression and the power of human connection, no matter how unconventional or dangerous it may be. High Art is a must-watch for anyone who appreciates great storytelling, excellent acting, and captivating visuals.
High Art is a 1998 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 41 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.6 and a MetaScore of 73.