It is a feel-good movie based on a true story about a young wannabe artist who wants a forgotten Russian master's help and advice on how to be a great painter. The first five to ten minutes I was so happy with what Ray Liotta had to bring. However I didn't feel the same about Trevor Morgan. At times his acting was probably the only thing that bugged me about this movie, but it was good enough and it couldn't have possibly ruined the effect of the film. Then I found out the true gem of this picture - Armin Mueller-Stahl. Nicholi Seroff is probably one of the greatest characters I've ever seen in a feel-good movie. His acting made me feel like a real artist. Seeing him eat his breakfast with vodka while insulting John (Trevor Morgan) in one scene and then talking about true art with a pure heart and tears in his eyes was one of the greatest experiences I have ever had.
Besides Mueller-Stahl there are lots of other influential performances, such as Perlman's cocky and kind of gay character (I was amazed, I never would've expected Ron Perlman to take such a role and he delivered it at 110%). Diana Scarwid's acting was so warm and relaxing and I think I fell for Samanta Mathis. Of course Ray Liotta's homophobic performance was hilarious. And I liked the whole idea of the movie which was basically a classical artist's view on the "crazy" modern world. It deals with one of the main problems in modern art, as Perlman's character puts it - does sentiment have a place in it? My only regret about this film is that it never got to the big screen in my country. My only hope is that some day I will be able to show this movie to my kids. So if you are an artist yourself or just an admirer - this is probably one of the best art movies you'll ever see. I give it 9/10 just because of Morgan :D
Besides Mueller-Stahl there are lots of other influential performances, such as Perlman's cocky and kind of gay character (I was amazed, I never would've expected Ron Perlman to take such a role and he delivered it at 110%). Diana Scarwid's acting was so warm and relaxing and I think I fell for Samanta Mathis. Of course Ray Liotta's homophobic performance was hilarious. And I liked the whole idea of the movie which was basically a classical artist's view on the "crazy" modern world. It deals with one of the main problems in modern art, as Perlman's character puts it - does sentiment have a place in it? My only regret about this film is that it never got to the big screen in my country. My only hope is that some day I will be able to show this movie to my kids. So if you are an artist yourself or just an admirer - this is probably one of the best art movies you'll ever see. I give it 9/10 just because of Morgan :D