Siqueiros: Artist and Warrior

David Siqueiros (1896-1974) is one of the principle figures in modern Mexican painting. An astonishing muralist whose easel paintings were, perhaps, even better, Siqueiros was a committed communist and political activist who organized an attempt on Trotsky's life three months before the latter was assassinated. Avoiding the lethargy that dogs many art documentaries, Siqueiros winningly combines archival film clips, a multitude of photos of Siqueiros and his compadres, and sweeping shots of Siqueiros' monumental works, showing how brilliantly he was able to integrate his murals into their architectural surroundings. In fact, "Portrait for the Bourgeoisie," his most wonderful mural, created in the headquarters of the Mexican Electricians' Union in the 1930s, is overwhelming on video, and one can only imagine its effect in person. It's unfortunate, in the end, that Siqueiros was a Stalinist; his unsavory political stupidity continues to taint his reputation as an artist. Highly recommended. Aud: H, C, P. (P. Van Vleck)