VIFF review: My Rembrandt shows the Dutch master’s still got it
The painter’s obsessive, super-competitive following makes for entertaining viewing
Streams September 24 to October 7 as part of the Vancouver International Film Festival, via VIFF.org.
WHO KNEW that the eccentric world of Rembrandt collectors could be so grippingly entertaining?
Director Oeke Hoogendijk reveals a colourful cast of people obsessed with the Dutch master’s pricey works. At the same time, he shows the magic in the paintings that is still spellbinding people 400 years later—from the glimmering lantern light to the cryptic dark and the lifelike eyes.
In Scotland, the Duke of Buccleuch is rapt when he gazes upon his prized Old Woman Reading. “She is the most powerful presence in the house,” he marvels. “How did he do it? He draws you in and it’s so intimate.” In fact the Duke is too overcome to notice the Rijkmuseum advisor who’s come to his castle to help rehang it might very much like to have it on loan.
Elsewhere, a squabble between major museums over two other masterpieces turns into a diplomatic row between the Netherlands and France.
But most amusing of all is watching young Jan Six, a descendant of a well-known subject of the master’s portraits, get giddy as he vies for a painting that Christie’s doesn’t realize is a Rembrandt.
Elegantly shot and amusingly told, this one’s a standout on the M/A/D visual-art program.
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