Watch Shirley: Visions of Reality

Shirley: Visions of Reality is a biographical drama directed by Austrian filmmaker Gustav Deutsch, which revolves around the life and times of American artist Edward Hopper and his wife Josephine, whose stage name was Shirley. The movie is based on a series of paintings by Hopper in the early 20th century which depict the mundane aspects of American life in a realistic and melancholic style.

The plot of the movie unfolds through a series of vignettes, each of which is inspired by a Hopper painting. The movie starts with Shirley, played by Stephanie Cumming, waking up early in the morning and looking out of her window, as depicted in Hopper's 1940 painting 'Morning Sun.' From there, the movie shows various scenes from the life of Shirley and Edward, from their honeymoon to their old age, each of which is a tribute to a Hopper painting.

The movie is set in the 1930s and 40s and shows the daily lives of the couple, as well as the American society of that time. It portrays a world in which people are always lonely, even when surrounded by others. The main focus of the movie is on Shirley, who is portrayed as a woman who is struggling to find meaning in her life. She is a reluctant housewife, who spends most of her time reading books or looking out of the window, wondering about the world outside.

The movie is shot in black and white, which adds to the melancholic tone of the film. The cinematography is exceptional, and the use of light and shadows is outstanding. The camera work is framed in such a way that it echoes the paintings of Hopper, who was known for his use of light and shadow to create mood and atmosphere.

The acting in the movie is top-notch, with Stephanie Cumming delivering a stunning performance as Shirley. Cumming portrays Shirley as a quiet, reserved person, who is struggling to find her place in the world. Christoph Bach, who plays Edward Hopper, is also impressive, bringing a lot of depth to his character.

One of the most impressive things about the movie is how it manages to capture the essence of Hopper's paintings on screen. Each shot is framed in such a way that it echoes a Hopper painting, and the movie pays tribute to many of Hopper's famous works, such as 'Nighthawks,' 'Office at Night,' and 'Sunday Morning.'

Shirley: Visions of Reality is not a traditional biopic. The movie does not focus on the life of Hopper, nor does it provide a linear narrative of his life. Instead, the movie is a tribute to Hopper's paintings and an exploration of the themes that underpin those works. It is a movie that rewards close attention, as each shot is filled with detail and meaning.

In conclusion, Shirley: Visions of Reality is a magnificent movie that pays tribute to the paintings of Edward Hopper. It is a movie that captures the melancholic tone of Hopper's work, while also exploring the themes that underpin those paintings. The acting is superb, and the cinematography is exceptional. It is a movie that will appeal to both fans of Hopper and those who appreciate excellent filmmaking.

Shirley: Visions of Reality is a 2013 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 29 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.3.