Forrest Bess: Key to the Riddle
"One of America's Most Eccentric and Visionary Artists"
Originally released in 1999. Forrest Bess: Key to the Riddle is a documentary film. directed by Ari Marcopoulos. At just 48 minutes, it's a tight, focused story.
Starring Willem Dafoe
Synopsis
Painter, fisherman, visionary, eccentric - Forrest Bess lived his life in obscurity, at an isolated bait camp off the East Coast of Texas. From 1949 through 1967, Bess showed at the Betty Parsons Gallery in New York City along with artists like Jackson Pollock and Mark Rothko. But Bess' art was only part of a grander theory based on alchemy, Jungian philosophy, and aboriginal rituals, which proposed that hermaphrodism was the key to immortality. Narrated by actors Willem Dafoe and Ruth Maleczech, the documentary combines the beauty of Bess' art with the drama and tragedy of his personal life. Interviews with people who knew Bess, including art historian Meyer Schapiro (his last interview) and Buddhist scholar Robert Thurman bring life to this forgotten artist. Forrest Bess: Key to the Riddleis a fascinating look at one of America's most unusual artists.
Quick Facts
Directors
Top Cast
Production Details
- Status
- Released
- Original Language
- EN
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Forrest Bess: Key to the Riddle about?
Painter, fisherman, visionary, eccentric - Forrest Bess lived his life in obscurity, at an isolated bait camp off the East Coast of Texas. From 1949 through 1967, Bess showed at the Betty Parsons ...
Who directed Forrest Bess: Key to the Riddle?
Forrest Bess: Key to the Riddle was directed by Ari Marcopoulos.
How long is Forrest Bess: Key to the Riddle?
Forrest Bess: Key to the Riddle has a runtime of 0 hours and 48 minutes (48 minutes total).
When was Forrest Bess: Key to the Riddle released?
Forrest Bess: Key to the Riddle was released on January 1, 1999 in theaters.
Who are the main actors in Forrest Bess: Key to the Riddle?
The main cast of Forrest Bess: Key to the Riddle includes Willem Dafoe.