This
2006 mystery-drama-biography starring Aussie Academy Award Winner Nicole Kidman
and superbly talented Academy Award nominee Robert Downey Junior proved to be
quite aesthetically pleasing yet tremendously peculiar. Set in 1958 before ‘Diane
Arbus’ (played by Kidman) was divorced, writers Erin Cressida Wilson and Patricia
Bosworth collaborated in creating an imaginative biography of what this famous
American photographer’s life must have been like. Director Steven Shainberg
made sure that in this snippet of inspiration of what jolted Arbus’ photography
career unfolded with style, grace and unhurried departures.
Certainly
one of the most valued and uncommon American photographers of the twentieth century, any
audience would find the little exposed about ‘Diane Arbus’ life fascinating.
There was a lot of suppressed sexuality, freakishness and irresponsible behavior
portrayed by our main character, and I was a bit disappointed with the way the
writers and director chose to tell their story. Although this character had
concealed longing and dreams of expressing herself in different ways; because
she gave little regard or genuine love to her family it made her come across as
a proper sociopath. I wished the film-maker would focus more on what actually
took place in her life; and in turn try to piece to together her sadness and
demise that ultimately ended in suicide.
Winner
of one award and no nominations, and with an estimated budget of $16 million
USD and a flat return of $2 million USD worldwide it is true to say it isn’t
everyone’s cup of tea. Crammed with nudity, even in the film’s very first
scenes and plenty of indecent sensual delight – I wouldn’t recommend for a
younger audience.
With an ‘Alice in Wonderland’ sort of effect, lovely colours, wonderful slow moving, close shots and
the journey of a lonely, aggravated yet budding artist it was an exceptional visual
experience. Phenomenal acting by Kidman, Downey and Ty Burrell, but when it came to
the actual story, I sadly was unimpressed.
