Velvet Buzzsaw

Velvet Buzzsaw is a thrilling 2019 film that doubles as a dark satire of the elite and consumerist Los Angeles art world. The film stars Hollywood heavyweight Jake Gyllenhaal, alongside Rene Russo and Zawe Ashton. It is written and directed by Dan Gilroy, who is known for his enchanting tales of the unusual, and the cinematography reflects his vibrant and captivating storytelling style.

The film begins by introducing us to Morf Vandewalt (Jake Gyllenhaal), an influential art critic with a relentless thirst for finding the next big thing in conceptual modern art. The complexities of his character lie in his cynical yet deep-seated love for art and its aesthetic purity.

Rene Russo portrays Rhodora Haze, a former punk rocker turned upscale art dealer who runs the glamorous Haze Gallery. Russo captures the essence of her character’s ethos, which lies in her capitalist lust for exploiting art to its marketable potential without concern for the artist's original intent. Zawe Ashton gives an impassioned performance as Josephina, Rhodora's ambitious assistant who dreams of making it to the top of the art world.

Velvet Buzzsaw revolves around the discovery of a dead man's paintings by Josephina. The paintings churn out extreme emotional responses in those who encounter them, making them seemingly irresistible to art collectors and dealers who are driven by profit. The allure of this newfound discovery paves the way for the dramatic plotlines that follow, as the characters are sucked into the vortex of greed, power, and a race against each other to tap into this gold mine.

Throughout the film, Jake Gyllenhaal provides an exquisite portrayal of a man torn between his passion for authentic art and his job that involves commercializing and commodifying aesthetics. The dilemma he faces throughout the narrative provides an interesting subplot to this horror-mystery.

On the flipside, Russo's character personifies the ruthless and commercial side of the contemporary art world, caring less about true art appreciation and more about its market value. Through her character, the film brings forth the harsh realities that many artists face in the age of corporate-owned art galleries where profit overpowers passion.

The film uses these characters and the wider art world as a backdrop for a critique of the contemporary art scene. It highlights the lack of artistic integrity and the prevalence of consumerism in the money-driven and elite art circles.

As the storyline proceeds, the events take a eerie turn. The discovered pieces of art begin to demonstrate sinister and inexplicable activity, leading to horrifying consequences for those involved. It appears as if the creator of the paintings has left behind an otherworldly force that begins to haunt their new custodians, jogging them out of their overwhelming greed and artifice.

Velvet Buzzsaw is a fusion of various genres that weaves together elements of horror, satire, and mystery in a modern art setting. It blends traditional horror tropes with high-stakes drama to capture the viewers' interest and immerses them in the thrill and intensity of the events.

Additionally, the film stands out for its photography, highlighting the glitzy, plastic world of the art industry contrasted with the coldness and austerity of the character's personal lives. The dramatic visual palette mirrors the tensions brewing within the storyline, adding an additional layer to the audience's viewing experience.

In essence, Velvet Buzzsaw is a satirical horror film that uniquely critiques the modern art world's pretensions while serving its main course of dark, suspenseful drama. Its colorful cast of characters skillfully navigate a plot that weaves together themes of greed, power, and the supernatural. It creates a simmering cesspool of tension and terror that dips its toe into the profound, ensuring intriguing viewing for fans of genre-crossing movies. Whether it's a love for horror or an interest in the intricate workings of the art world, Velvet Buzzsaw is a fascinating ride from start to finish.