Fur: An Imaginary Portrait of Diane Arbus

Fur: An Imaginary Portrait of Diane Arbus, is a unique 2006 film that pays homage to the groundbreaking photographic artist, Diane Arbus. Starring Nicole Kidman and Robert Downey Jr., and directed by Steven Shainberg, the film is less of a biographical recount and more of an imaginative and surreal interpretation of Arbus's life and artistic journey. It's a tribute to Arbus's peculiar ethos, as the director meticulously crafts a narrative not rooted in reality but stretching the limits of the viewer's imagination to understand the avant-garde artist's world.

Nicole Kidman breathes life into the character of Diane Arbus, skillfully embodying the transformative journey from a 1950s housewife to one of the most definitive photographers of the 20th century, celebrated for her unusual and eccentric subjects. Kidman delivers a nuanced performance, capturing the angst, curiosity, and the quiet rebelliousness that drive Arbus to break the stifling confines of her conventional life. She tactfully depicts Arbus's sensitivity, her consuming fascination with the unusual, the bizarre, and the grotesque, reflecting Arbus's deeply-set belief that beauty can often be found in the grotesque.

Robert Downey Jr. co-stars as Lionel Sweeney, a mysterious and charismatic neighbor who becomes instrumental in igniting Arbus's artistic passion. Downey Jr’s character is covered from head to toe by a layer of fur-like hair due to a genetic condition known as hypertrichosis. Lionel is everything that Arbus's stifling close-knit world of societal norms is not - different, unfettered, and genuinely fascinating. As Lionel and Arbus become closer, he introduces her to an entirely new universe of social outcasts and so-called 'freaks'. Lionel's enigmatic allure, coupled with the exposure to his intriguing world of oddities, profoundly impacts Arbus's understanding of humanity, her sense of beauty, and ultimately, her artistic vision.

Ty Burrell further complements the cast by effectively portraying the character of Allan Arbus, Diane Arbus's husband. Allan is a fashion photographer who visibly struggles with his wife's growing fascination with what the society deems as grotesque and odd. The viewer witnesses how the fundamental shifts in Diane's perspective and desires strain their relationship, leading to palpable tension and conflict.

Steven Shainberg beautifully constructs a film that can be compared to an abstract, dream-like painting. Breaking away from traditional biographical storytelling, Shainberg dares to delve deep into the subjective, the symbolic, and the surreal. His direction effectively stimulates the viewer's curiosity and rewards them with a deeper understanding of Diane Arbus's artistic psyche. The movie noticeably avoids specific engagement with Arbus's real work and instead plunges into the world of imagination to explore the artist's transformative journey and internal changes that give birth to her distinctive artistic voice.

The film’s cinematography magnificently echoes the same oddity and fascination with the grotesque that defined Arbus's photography. Stellar performances by the cast couple with lush, dark visuals, creating a fantastical world that teeters on the edge of reality. The movie uses color palettes, impressive set designs, and atmospheric lighting to tell the story. It establishes a captivating visual aesthetic that echoes Arbus's artistic vision, further enhancing the storyline and character development.

Fur: An Imaginary Portrait of Diane Arbus is a contemplative and imagistic film. It appreciates and highlights the beauty hidden within the grotesque, much like Arbus's own photographic works. Rather than presenting a historical textbook telling of Arbus's life, the film entwines fact and fantasy to communicate the emotional truth of Arbus's personal and artistic progression. The movie offers not only a glimpse into the life of Diane Arbus but an exploration of the tumultuous journey of self-discovery and artistic awakening.

In its storytelling, the film raises universal questions about societal norms, the definition of beauty, and the courage it takes to break away from established conventions. It exhibits a profound understanding and respect for the layers of complexity that make any artist and their artistry unique and remarkable.

For viewers familiar with Diane Arbus's work, the film will be a welcome and creative departure from the conventions of biographical dramas. For those new to her work, the movie will serve as an interesting introduction to an unusual artist who pushed the boundaries of photographic art by daring to see beauty where others saw mere oddity. Art film enthusiasts, arthouse cinephiles, or fans of the leading actors will doubtlessly appreciate Fur: An Imaginary Portrait of Diane Arbus. It's a film that revels in the beauty of the unconventional, celebrating the artistic perspective of a remarkable artist.