Arakimentari

Filmmaker Travis Klose's compelling 2004 documentary on the life and art of photographer Nobuyoshi Araki is a fine tribute to one of Japan's most provocative and controversial creative artists. In a career spanning four decades, Araki's camera has framed the most extraordinary works of erotic composition captured by a lens, and for a man in his mid-60's, he continues to work with an athletic zest and wealth of good humor. Though his art has been marked by controversy (including a series of bondage portraits tinged with misogynist imagery, and a strike by female security guards at an Austrian museum), here Araki dives into his work with enthusiasm and vigor, charmingly conducting a photo shoot--his nude female model happily sheds her clothes--while interview clips with fellow photographers and famous devotees, including filmmaker Takeshi Kitano and pop star Björk, serve up encomiums. Klose was fortunate to tap into this frank yet funny and passionate personality, and--backed by an original soundtrack by DJ Krush literally singing Araki's praises--the resulting portrait makes for a memorable celebration of an intriguing artist. Highly recommended. Aud: C, P. (P. Hall)