Robert Mapplethorpe
Originally released in 1988. Robert Mapplethorpe is a documentary film. directed by Nigel Finch. At just 52 minutes, it's a tight, focused story.
Synopsis
The Robert Mapplethorpe documentary, from 1988--one year before he died--is an excellent examination of one of the most controversial of American photographers. British documentarian Nigel Finch does an outstanding job fusing interviews with Mr. Mapplethorpe himself, with critic and author Edmund White, and with several of Mapplethorpe's subjects as well, with numerous shots of the man's work. Mapplethorpe, gay, did not hesitate to photograph what he wanted to without fear of reprisal or censorship. Indeed, a good number of his pieces were not shown in the documentary at its original airing on PBS with the comment, "Considered Unsuitable for Viewing On This Transmission." His openly sexual work can at times be more than shocking, but it is always powerful and direct; as critic Lynn Davies says in the documentary, he did not pose people but photographed them doing what they would normally do in the course of their lives.
Quick Facts
Release Date
March 18, 1988
37 years ago
Runtime
0h 52m
52 minutes total
User Rating
5.0/10
Mixed (2 votes)
Language
English
Original language
Director
Production Details
- Status
- Released
- Original Language
- EN
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Robert Mapplethorpe about?
The Robert Mapplethorpe documentary, from 1988--one year before he died--is an excellent examination of one of the most controversial of American photographers. British documentarian Nigel Finch do...
Who directed Robert Mapplethorpe?
Robert Mapplethorpe was directed by Nigel Finch.
How long is Robert Mapplethorpe?
Robert Mapplethorpe has a runtime of 0 hours and 52 minutes (52 minutes total).
When was Robert Mapplethorpe released?
Robert Mapplethorpe was released on March 18, 1988 in theaters.