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List Price: $14.98 | | Label: Universal Studios
Salesrank: 11383
Released: July 27, 2004 |
| Our Price: $6.24 |
| Used Price: $6.24 |
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MPAA Rating: R (Restricted)
Media: DVD |
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Editorial Review:
Syd (Radha Mitchell) is an editor at a painfully pretentious art magazine; by chance, she becomes acquainted with lesbian photographer Lucy (Ally Sheedy) and her weirdo German girlfriend (Patricia Clarkson, in a strange Dietrich-like role). Syd becomes captivated with Lucy and her work and, smelling a career move, offers to feature her in the next issue of the magazine. The two become attracted, but their relationship is fraught with perils--Syd loses her rather square boyfriend, Lucy's girlfriend takes a hike, the avaricious management at the magazine pressures Syd, and, most importantly, the pair begins to travel down the road of heroin addiction. Besides the lesbian theme, High Art addresses such subtexts as what an artist will (or won't) be willing to do for recognition, and what price that recognition carries. High Art is a remarkably honest work, painful at times but understated and thoughtful. It does an excellent job of portraying the heroin-induced torpor of Lucy and her bohemian friends as they lie around and become consumed with the stuff. It's a cautionary tale, a sincere love story, a reflection on the nature of art, and a "lesbian film" for which the lesbianism is integral but not part of an overriding agenda. Sheedy is excellent, as is Mitchell in a very expressive role. It's far from being a feel-good movie, but High Art undeniably has some power behind it that will stick with you past the closing credits. --Jerry Renshaw
High Art Reviews:
Potentially a great film-anticlimactic 
2008-09-14 - I had not seen this film, when it was released, but always heard of it. I finally had a chance to view it. Although the characters certainly have a palpable attraction, and the storyline is tragic, not much stands out in this film for me. The tragedy of Lucy's character's failing to grasp herself before she succumbs to her own weakness for the life she's known for the last few years, is probably the most rattling aspect of this film. As for the chemistry between the characters throughout the film, and the sexual scenes, they were a bit contrived. As a lesbian myself, I was disappointed that they were not more believable, as there are not many films that capture true attraction emotionally and physically, effectively, as it is. The art theme was sexy, and indicative, how much Lucy could capture in life, while losing herself. The end was anticlimactic for me, and it seemed a bit abrupt. Despite the fact that I am giving it 3 stars, I'd give it a rent for historical context.
The Best Movie 
2008-07-08 - Oh I love this movie I don't know what else to say but either rent or buy it, it's a real treat.
Subtitles not to switch off 
2008-03-12 - Before I learned that there exist codefree DVD-Players, I was looking for a version of High Art, running in Europe, without the disturbingly bright german subtitles, which one can't switch off! I thought to have found it in this item, as it is said to code Region 2. The german pro-fun-media DVD is code-free (code 0). What I received was exactly the german product, which I wanted to change. Do I have to read every line of the product information to make sure the Region 2 code is correct? It reminds me of contracts with traps in tiny letters . The seller didn't take back the product nor refunded.
lacking in development 
2008-02-20 - This film had great potential but really lacked in the real life situations that one would expect from this kind of film. For the most part I found this film less than entertaining, fair acting, and romance scenes were dull at best. It would have been great with better nudes by Radah and higher intensity scenes of romance between the two women.
Touching and realistic
2007-12-26 - The storyline is touching and it is quite realistic for a girl to struggle for a higher position yet the ending is tragic. I enjoyed this film quite a lot!!
