Most art forgers are in it for the money, but not eccentric Mark Landis, who is profiled by filmmakers Sam Cullman, Jennifer Grausman, and Mark Becker in this entertaining documentary. The elderly Landis used relatively simple means to copy works, mostly by lesser-known artists, and then donated the forgeries to museums. Matthew Leininger, an Oklahoman who became aware of Landis's peculiar avocation made it his mission to expose him. With his bulldog intensity, Leininger comes across as a one-man truth brigade, while Landis seems to be a solitary craftsman with a drive that he can't shake. But while the directors follow Leininger's efforts, they mostly concentrate on Landis as he putters about his apartment, visits places like Home Depot to pick up painting supplies, shows off his technique, and talks about whatever pops into his head, offering some revealing biographical information in the process. The film culminates in an exhibition of Landis's work—including some of his own paintings—arranged by none other than Leininger, who seems amazed and pleased that his nemesis accepts an invitation to attend but then slightly peeved when Landis holds court in his disarmingly genteel manner. Art and Craft raises serious questions about the trustworthiness of experts' opinions about the provenance of paintings—especially when an easygoing con-man like Landis can so easily pull the wool over their eyes—but the film's real strength lies in its character study of a stooped, soft-spoken gent who managed to fool people for years and now seems to be savoring his notoriety. Recommended. [Note: DVD extras include audio commentary by filmmakers Sam Cullman, Jennifer Grausman, and Mark Becker, deleted scenes (16 min.), a “Faux Reel” featurette with film subjects Matt Leininger and Aaron Cowan (9 min.), an audio Q&A with subject forger Mark Landis, and trailers. Bottom line: a solid extras package for an intriguing documentary.] (F. Swietek)
Art and Craft
Oscilloscope, 89 min., not rated, DVD: $34.99, Jan. 27 Volume 30, Issue 2
Art and Craft
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