Watch Spring & Arnaud

Spring & Arnaud is a heartfelt documentary film that chronicles the love story of two aging artists who are still finding their way in life. Directed by Marcia Connolly and Katherine Knight, the movie takes us on a journey through the lives of Spring Hurlbut, an accomplished artist who works primarily in sculpture and photography, and Arnaud Maggs, a celebrated photographer who has spent the better part of his life capturing images of Toronto.

The documentary film documents the love story of Spring and Arnaud, two artists who are brought together by their shared passion for art. The film follows their journey as they navigate the complexities of their relationship and the challenges of aging, including health issues and the loss of friends and loved ones. The movie explores the nuances of love and loss, as well as the way that art can provide comfort and meaning in the face of life's challenges.

The film opens with Spring Hurlbut reflecting on the beginning of her career as an artist. She explains that she was initially drawn to sculpture because she felt a need to create something physical and tangible, something that she could hold and touch. Arnaud Maggs, on the other hand, began his career as a photographer in his 50s, after a long career in advertising. He used his background in graphic design to create a unique style of photography characterized by rigorous formalism and a focus on the human form.

As Spring and Arnaud's relationship develops, the film gives us a glimpse into their daily lives and the intimate moments that define their relationship. We see them taking long walks together, discussing their work, and supporting each other through health issues. At times, the film feels like a love letter to their relationship, capturing the small moments of tenderness and affection that make their bond so special.

One of the central themes of the film is the way that art can provide comfort and meaning in the face of life's challenges. Throughout the movie, we see Spring and Arnaud using their art to cope with difficult times, whether it's Spring creating a series of sculptures inspired by her mother's death or Arnaud creating a photographic series of his own aging body. The film makes a persuasive case for the power of art to carry us through the ups and downs of life.

Another important theme of the movie is the way that art can bring people together, even when they come from very different backgrounds. Spring Hurlbut and Arnaud Maggs are both successful artists, but they come from different worlds. Spring is a prominent artist with a well-established career, while Arnaud came to art later in life and had to work hard to establish himself. The film shows us how their shared love of art brought them together and helped to bridge the gap between their different backgrounds and experiences.

Overall, Spring & Arnaud is a moving documentary that captures the complexity and beauty of a long-term relationship between two aging artists. The movie is a testament to the enduring power of love, as well as the way that art can give us meaning and purpose in the face of life's challenges. Through its intimate portrait of Spring and Arnaud's relationship, the film invites us to reflect on our own lives and the things that truly matter to us.