Alice Neel

A candid, intimate portrait that feels like paging through a life in bold paint, with affectionate but unsettled voices.

Directed by

Andrew Neel

Genres

Documentary

Starring

Alice Neel

Overview

The life and work of Alice Neel (1900-1984), American portrait painter. Part of the narration is chronological, part consists of interviews with friends, other artists, scholars, and family members, particularly two sons, Richard and Hartley, who are none too sanguine about their childhood and their mother's Bohemian life, and the filmmaker himself, a grandson whose querulous voice is heard from time to time. The film also includes footage of Neel, later in life, painting, talking, appearing on television, and giving lectures. Throughout, we see her paintings, bold, frank, and direct. After years of poverty and obscurity, fame comes as she nears 70.

How it feels

Earnest, melancholic and warm. Measured and needs your attention.

About

Art, identity, family, class

Content

Mild sexual content and language. No violence or gore.

Note

Written by AI, so it can be wrong. Full breakdown

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