Picasso and Braque Go to the Movies

Picasso and Braque Go to the Movies, directed by Arne Glimcher and released in 2008, is a documentary film that delves deep into the intersection of early 20th century artwork and the then-emerging medium of cinema. The film stars Alexander Blaise, Adam Gopnik, and Tom Gunning, each bringing their unique perspectives and expertize to narrate the multi-faceted journey of the art world which was notably influenced by the world of movies.

Set within the cultural and intellectual milieu of Paris during the dawn of the 20th century, the film revivifies the innovative atmosphere that was thick with potential as the new cinematographic technology unfolded. Cinema, regarded as the 'newborn art form' was able to intrinsically stir and influence several well-known artists and their work. The film focuses on the noteworthy impacts of this powerful medium on the work of Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque, two pioneering artists whose cubist masterpieces dramatically altered the trajectory of modern art.

Alexander Blaise, noted art curator, brings to the table the rich knowledge of the art world, guiding us through the heart of the Paris art scene. His narration provides a nuanced understanding of the many undercurrents that ran beneath the surface of the art world during that era. Blaise highlights how influential figures like Picasso and Braque developed and explored their artistic styles against the backdrop of these revolutionary times, surrounded by radical new ideas and technological advancements.

Adam Gopnik, an art critic and historian, delivers his trademark eloquent commentary, expanding on the ways in which the medium of cinema impacted and instigated modernism in the art world. Gopnik extends the film’s objective by interpreting how Picasso and Braque perceived cinema as an inspiration for their cubist doctrine. He breaks down how enlargement, fragmentation, close-ups, and slow-motion - the techniques innovated in the cinema - inspired Picasso and Braque to break away from traditional art forms and venture into the dimensional exploration of subjects in their artwork.

Tom Gunning, a renowned film scholar and historian, adds to the discourse by offering profound insights into early cinema. Gunning through his study of early films, their techniques and effects strengthens the film’s hypothesis concerning the correlation between artistic developments and predominantly cinematic techniques. His apt depiction of the early 20th-century film industry and its revolutionary potential provides a rich context, weaving a fuller picture of the era.

The film is set within the rich archival backdrop, using historical footage from early films, vintage photographs, and examples of both Picasso and Braque’s artwork. These elements work together to create a narrative tapestry that blends the worlds of art and cinema, helping the audience to visualize the context of this transformative period in history.

Moreover, another riveting facet of the documentary is the contribution by film director, Martin Scorsese, who not only appears in the movie but also is its executive producer. As a passionate devotee of both cinema and art, Scorsese vividly details how life experiences, social context, and technology influence an artist's work.

Picasso and Braque Go to the Movies does a stellar job of presenting an untold story of the influences that cinema had on modern art, specifically on the work of Picasso and Braque. With a runtime of 60 minutes, the film never feels rushed, giving ample space for its ideas to unfold.

Far from being a traditional documentary, Picasso and Braque Go to the Movies is a remarkable fusion of art history and film studies, rendering an intricate examination of early 20th-century conceptual shifts. It combines historical insights, aesthetic critique, and theoretical analysis to provide a comprehensive perspective on the intersection between the world of moving images and the modernist revolution in the arts.

Noticeably, the film encourages its audience to look at early 20th-century art and cinema from a nuanced perspective, enabling viewers to consider the interplays between artistic movements and technological innovations. A must-watch for art enthusiasts, movie buffs, and history lovers, the documentary is an opportunity to rediscover Picasso, Braque and the entire art scene afresh, narrating the profound instrumental role that cinema played in shaping modern art.