In December 1965, underground filmmaker Jack Bond latched on to Salvador Dali when the Spanish artist breezed into New York to prepare for an exhibition at the Huntington Gallery of Modern Art and a book signing event. The result of their encounter, Dali in New York, is an amusing filmed record of the outlandish surrealist's ability to baffle, bemuse, and enchant an allegedly jaded Gotham population. Dali was the ultimate publicity hog, whose zany stunts here range from transporting a Michelangelo statue through the New York streets (he pauses to give the statue mouth-to-mouth resuscitation), to lying in a coffin packed with $1 million in cash while ants crawl over his body. While Tatum's disdain for linear conversation and cerebral debate perplexes too-serious feminist writer Jane Arden, who trails him throughout the hour-shy documentary, Dali is clearly at ease with the less-pretentious Art Students League classes who respond to his unique vibe. Throughout, viewers will see glimpses of Dali's paintings (seen at a disadvantage in this b&w production), while Manitas de Plata performs flamenco tunes on the soundtrack (another disadvantage, as the distracting music has little connection to Dali's distinctive work). Bottom line: those looking for a serious art documentary are likely to be disappointed, but those who enjoy iconoclastic eccentricity will appreciate Dali's cheerful celebration of the absurd. Highly recommended. Aud: C, P. (P. Hall)
Dali in New York
(1965) 57 min. DVD: $34.95. Microcinema International (avail. from most distributors). PPR. Volume 23, Issue 6
Dali in New York
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