I've added it to the watchlist, thanks for the rec.
I have always thought that we should separate the artist from his art. I think the same thing about business leaders and political leaders. The truth is that we are all very ugly people on the inside, with some very vulgar thoughts and instincts. We usually don't act upon them, but sometimes we slip. We like to think that we are all selfless and loving and altruistic, but if you look at most of our actions, they are very egocentric. I think most of us just don't have the power or access to act out on our whims.
The fact that an artist can deal with all the agony of being a human and still create something beautiful is a heroic achievement. I think only once you have actually lived through some real shit and then also created something meaningful and celebrated can you afford to criticize someone else who made the wrong decision in a similar circumstance.
I mean, I could do without Picasso lol The conversation around separating the art from the artist is really around making exceptions for particular artists who become popular or create “masterpieces,” not all artists/art. If it’s a nobody artists who is morally bankrupt, people will happily write them off. So why the exceptions?
If someone makes a "masterpiece," I assume they gave themselves fully to their art, and who they are and what they bring with them informs their art. It would be delusional to reject that reality. That being said, multiple things can be true and acknowledged. Sometimes, maybe even often, shitty people make deeply affecting or brilliant things.
Back to Todd Field, I like when artists disappear like that. It’s probably necessary, especially when your medium is film. They require so much of the people making them. It’s so all-consuming, it almost surprises me that more directors don’t disappear even more frequently for longer periods of time. But I wonder, if money wasn't an issue, if that would be the case. Even doing a little newsletter, I’m always like, ok is it time to go away for a while? 😂 Maybe I'll disappear for 16 years too.
This is a great piece on a great theme. And you make the reader curious to explore the movie but also to give a hard look at the idea of separating the artist from the art. Very good essay, Oscar. I really enjoyed it.
Tár! That’s movie left me paralyzed in a good way. I don’t know where I fall because I don’t want to accept the idea that you have to have a dark side to create beauty but also I clearly see the beauty. I guess that’s just a sign that I don’t want to recognize the dark side that is very much human ... love the analysis and now I have to rewatch scenes you mentioned to appreciate the camera work more consciously
I've added it to the watchlist, thanks for the rec.
I have always thought that we should separate the artist from his art. I think the same thing about business leaders and political leaders. The truth is that we are all very ugly people on the inside, with some very vulgar thoughts and instincts. We usually don't act upon them, but sometimes we slip. We like to think that we are all selfless and loving and altruistic, but if you look at most of our actions, they are very egocentric. I think most of us just don't have the power or access to act out on our whims.
The fact that an artist can deal with all the agony of being a human and still create something beautiful is a heroic achievement. I think only once you have actually lived through some real shit and then also created something meaningful and celebrated can you afford to criticize someone else who made the wrong decision in a similar circumstance.
I mean, I could do without Picasso lol The conversation around separating the art from the artist is really around making exceptions for particular artists who become popular or create “masterpieces,” not all artists/art. If it’s a nobody artists who is morally bankrupt, people will happily write them off. So why the exceptions?
If someone makes a "masterpiece," I assume they gave themselves fully to their art, and who they are and what they bring with them informs their art. It would be delusional to reject that reality. That being said, multiple things can be true and acknowledged. Sometimes, maybe even often, shitty people make deeply affecting or brilliant things.
Back to Todd Field, I like when artists disappear like that. It’s probably necessary, especially when your medium is film. They require so much of the people making them. It’s so all-consuming, it almost surprises me that more directors don’t disappear even more frequently for longer periods of time. But I wonder, if money wasn't an issue, if that would be the case. Even doing a little newsletter, I’m always like, ok is it time to go away for a while? 😂 Maybe I'll disappear for 16 years too.
This is a great piece on a great theme. And you make the reader curious to explore the movie but also to give a hard look at the idea of separating the artist from the art. Very good essay, Oscar. I really enjoyed it.
Tár! That’s movie left me paralyzed in a good way. I don’t know where I fall because I don’t want to accept the idea that you have to have a dark side to create beauty but also I clearly see the beauty. I guess that’s just a sign that I don’t want to recognize the dark side that is very much human ... love the analysis and now I have to rewatch scenes you mentioned to appreciate the camera work more consciously