Cert 18
108 mins
BBFC advice: Contains strong sexualised images, sex references, nudity
I soon discovered that this was not the most appropriate movie to watch on a train.
Fortunately, after the first explicit image flashed across the screen I was able to place my ipad at such an angle that I wasn't arrested for showing obscene images to the rest of the carriage.
Therefore, I was did not discover the modern-day answer to the question which surrounds the work of controversial photographer Robert Mapplethorpe - is it porn or is it art?
Mapplethorpe died after contracting Aids in the 1980s when it was at its most deadly.
His promiscuous sex life is one of the central topics of discussion during Randy Barbato and Fenton Bailey's biopic.
With the exception of one dissenting politician, there is much love for the work of Mapplethorpe but it is very near the knuckle.
In common with many artists, the value of his photography has increased considerably since his death.
This film includes interviews with his contemporaries such as Debbie Harry and Fran Lebowitz but also sees a contribution from art experts who eulogise over the quality of his catalogue,
They seem unfazed by some of the harshness of the sexual images.
And that is typical of this documentary. I found it interesting but one-sided. Mapplethorpe's personal flaws are brought to the fore but his work escapes criticism.
Personally, I think his vindication comes in his beautiful photos of flowers. They demonstrate the quality of the artist. I was less sure about the pictures of the private parts of his many lovers.
Reasons to watch: plenty for those who appreciate erotic art
Reasons to avoid: some of the images are very graphic
Laughs: none
Jumps: none
Vomit: none
Nudity: yes
Overall rating: 6/10
Star tweet
Randy Barbato HBO’s Mapplethorpe doc does the artist a big favor: It makes him naughty again.
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