The Art of More

The Art of More is a fascinating and intriguing drama series that revolved around the high-stakes and glamorous world of New York auction houses. The series was available on Crackle from 2015 to 2016 for two seasons, giving us a sneak peek into the life of indulgence and opulence while exploring the darker shades hiding behind the glistening surface.

The story is centered around a character named Graham Connor, portrayed masterfully by Christian Cooke. Connor is a blue-collar Brooklynite who uses his experience as a soldier in Iraq to propel himself into the exclusive, high-stakes realm of art and antique dealing. Born into a modest background with little connection to the dazzling world of fine art, Connor’s ambition, charm, and shrewdness enable him to navigate the labyrinthine alleys of this glamorous yet secretive industry.

A former soldier, Connor uses his networks built during his service in Iraq to smuggle antiquities and get a foot in the door of this highly competitive and niche field. As he rises up the ranks, the thirst for 'the art of more' becomes prominent, leading us into a series of high-energy and high-stakes bidding wars, negotiations, and even black-market dealings.

Joining Cooke in this elaborate tale are other significant characters played by Dennis Quaid, Kate Bosworth, and Cary Elwes. Quaid plays real estate tycoon Samuel Brukner, a brash, self-made billionaire who is as relentless in his business ventures as he is with his social exploits. He is charming yet ruthless, embodying the apex of wealth and power that Connor aspires to.

Bosworth plays Roxanna Whitman, the daughter of the CEO of one of the two warring auction houses. Dressed in sophistication and armed with high ambitions, she not only presents a rivalry for Connor but also becomes a love interest. The dynamic relationship is beautifully explored across the series, often causing a whirlwind in the intense and feisty bidding atmosphere. Elwes features as Arthur Davenport, a shrewd and cunning art collector with dubious motives whose presence thickens the plot and adds a grittier edge to the story.

Each episode brings to light the delicate balance between love, ambition, betrayal, and desire. The Art of More explores greed and its misgivings, revealing the extent people are willing to go to fulfill their insatiable desires. The series gracefully portrays the relentless pursuit of wealth and power while juxtaposing it with vulnerabilities, insecurities, and the sensual aspects of the art world.

The larger than life characters, exuberant auction house scenes, multi-layered plot, and a seamless blending of drama and suspense make The Art of More a riveting watch. The series dexterously traverses through high society, high drama, and high stakes, ensuring that the audience is hooked from the first episode.

The creators Chuck Rose and Gardner Stern paint a vivid and glorious picture of the auction world, powered by thorough research and meticulous attention to detail. The use of art, culture, and history as a backdrop provides a unique texture to the storyline, making it a standout among contemporary drama series.

Despite the glamour and allure associated with the world of fine arts and antiquities, it is the exploration of the darker side, the more that isn’t enough and the ambition that knows no bounds which gives this series a thrilling edge. The Art of More does not shy away from investigating the grim underbelly of this niche world, unraveling its intricacies through gripping storytelling, compelling performances, and rich cinematography.

Indeed, The Art of More is not your run-off-the-mill drama. It is a volatile yet heady mix of ambition, art, and intrigue. It thrives in layers and surprises viewers with its unpredictable charm. By revealing the dazzling art world's underbelly and the intense repercussions of insatiable desires, it keeps the audiences pinned on the edge of their seats, unravelling the intoxicating power of more.