Balthus: The Painter

Balthus (born in 1908 and more grandly known as Count Balthazar Klossowski de Rola) is famous for his brooding landscapes, and images charged with eroticism and barely contained violence. Balthus, whose early work captivated Picasso and Camus, is a self trained painter who always follows his own vision. At the age of 88, he pauses in his studio to look back on a controversial and productive career. Speaking in French and English, with an ever present cigarette dangling from his lips, he scorns the pretensions of the art establishment and reveals a love of fantasy and play acting, particularly obvious in his many paintings of mischievous, all seeing, all knowing cats. From his Swiss retreat, Balthus plays host to visitors, who entertain him with scenes from Japanese Kabuki theater, a Balthus favorite. His Japanese wife is always hovering nearby, and several former models are seen or interviewed. While paintings flash by, Balthus discusses his enigmatic, sometimes erotic images of adolescent girls; he seems more fascinated in the spiritual qualities of young girls than their physical attributes (though each viewer can decide for him or herself). On a more poignant note, Balthus talks about his feelings about death and encroaching old age. Offering fine views of the art and telling commentary from Balthus' critics, family, and friends, this documentary is recommended for larger art collections. Aud: C, P. (S. Rees)