Frazetta: Painting with Fire

Frank Frazetta's name may not resonate with most people, but those devoted to the comic book subgenre known as "fantasy art" are very familiar with Frazetta's sword and sorcery art, most notably his paintings of Robert E. Howard's beloved Conan the Barbarian. Lance Laspina's documentary traces Frazetta's unlikely career journey from a Brooklyn boyhood to a level of cult worship with acolytes ranging from the most glamorous in the Hollywood echelon to biker gangs. But the real hero in this film is not found in the make-believe world of muscle-bound warriors and buxom goddesses, but rather in Frazetta's tenacity in maintaining his career despite numerous health problems, including a series of strokes that forced the artist to adapt to painting with his left hand (the strokes also impaired his speech somewhat, although he is easily understood in the interviews here). Filmmakers Ralph Bakshi and John Milius, as well as fellow artists such as the late John Buscema and Neal Adams, are among the admirers who lavish praise on Frazetta (even Bo Derek shows up, looking every inch like a Frazetta painting come to life). DVD extras on this double-disc edition include a commentary track, "making-of" featurette, deleted scenes, outtakes, an art gallery, Easter eggs, and more. Recommended. Aud: C, P. (P. Hall)