Norman Rockwell: Painting America

"I paint life as I would like it to be," Norman Rockwell once declared. This philosophy served him well for over five decades, and his illustrations depicting Americans at work and play found an enthusiastic audience. Born and raised in New York City, Rockwell shunned the "emotional violence" he saw there, turning instead to the refuge of rural and small town life. His most productive years were spent in Arlington, Vermont where he employed friends and neighbors as models for many of his best-loved paintings. Success came early, but like many other illustrators he harbored self-doubts and craved recognition as a serious artist. In the '40's Rockwell painted the "Four Freedoms" series to support the war effort, a move that signaled his increasing interest in socially relevant themes. Towards the end of his career, he also surprised viewers by producing an eloquent series depicting America's unfinished struggle for racial equality and human rights. Recalling his long life and career, this engaging documentary from PBS's respected American Masters series includes interviews with Rockwell (in old film clips), his friends, former models, and family, as well as critics, commentators and fans, such as columnist Russell Baker and director Steven Spielberg. Viewers will also visit the Rockwell museums in Arlington and Stockbridge, Mass., where he lived his last years. From the mostly charitable comments from critics, it's clear a major reappraisal of Rockwell's work has begun. The public's love with the man has never faded. Highly recommended. Aud: H, C, P. (S. Rees)