High Art

Photography's one of those things which looks simple, but there’s something about a great picture that can’t be denied. Lisa Cholodenko's High Art is similar. On one level, it's just a story about two women, one an aspiring magazine editor (Mitchell) and the other a drugged-up damaged photographer (one-time 80s brat packer Sheedy), who become involved during a project before things fall apart. But, like art, the real beauty is in the details. The film intimately understands the characters and we never doubt what we’re watching. These feel like adults who live in the real world with their own baggage and history, and the fragile relationship that develops, from lust and confused ambition, has to exist and survive as part of their lives. Sheedy is a revelation here with sterling support from Clarkson as her longtime ex, a destructive and manipulative addict whose emotional hold on her leads to tragedy. Despite a slow pace, the mature script and strong performances make this a bit of a masterpiece. [Scotty McKellar]