Robert Mapplethore Bio-Pic

[drg]

Robert Mapplethorpe, the celebrated controversial photographer of the 1970's-80's who died in 1989 is going to be the subject of a new biographical film treatment.

At the 2009 Sundance film festival (numerous sources below), it was announced by the producer, Eliza Dushku that negotiations had just been completed with the Mapplethorpe estate to make the film.

Yes, the 'evil' slayer from Buffy, is casting her brother in the title role.

This could be great or ghastly.

A long overdue subject, not only for artists and photographers, but for anyone even vaguely aware of the cultural wars and certainly the horrendous toll that HIV/AIDS took on the arts community.

A few sources and links:

from imdb.com -
Eliza Dushku cast her brother as Robert Mapplethorpe

from eonline.com Mark Malkin Sundance report -
Dushku Developing Mapplethorpe Biopic

one of the first I saw was:

Jessica Barnes blogging at www.cinematical.com.

[Asylum Steve]

Robert Mapplethorpe, the celebrated controversial photographer of the 1970's-80's who died in 1989 is going to be the subject of a new biographical film treatment...

Thanks. Mapplethorpe was an amazing artist, and one of the few photographers in history that created a unique signature visual style that is almost instantly recognizable.

I did not always like his subject matter, and agreed that the levels of public display and public funding of exhibiting his work was something that should be discussed and debated.

Thing is, he often photographed more conventional (and non-controversial) subjects, and did it beautifully...

[Xia_Ke]

Thanks for the heads-up drg. I'll be very interested in seeing this when it's available. There's a very good documentary about him, Sam Wagstaff, and the rest of the art community during that time period which I highly recommend. It's called "Black White + Gray: A Portrait of Sam Wagstaff and Robert Mapplethorpe". The DVD may be a bit hard to track down but, it's available on Netflix for those interested.

...Thing is, he often photographed more conventional (and non-controversial) subjects, and did it beautifully...

For sure, I love his more standard portraits and his flower shots. Even his subject matter which wasn't quite to my taste, I can't help but admire the technical execution.

[megan]

At least 6 of his flower prints are displayed in the hallway of my company's conference area. If I survive layoffs, I will be moved to different offices by June. I'll miss being able to see the Mapplethorpes at will.

The whole debate was exploding when I was studying photography at Mapplethorpe's alma mater. He and his work are near and dear to my heart, I look forward to hopefully a well-done and intelligent bio-pic.

[Franglais]

Great. Robert Mapplethorpe is one of my favourites, not just because of his pictures but for his whole life. Not that I want to do anything similar in my own life, however. Sometimes I feel I'm so boring..

[Wild Wassa]

I hope it will be an improvement over 'An Imaginary Portrait of Diane Arbus' and 'I shot Andy Warhol'.

Warren.

[draymorton]

Eliza Dushku?

Maybe my gut feeling is totally off and they'll end up pulling a rabbit out of a hat with this. I sure hope so.

[megan]

Imaginary Diane Arbus - I think in the States it was titled Fur, with Nicole Kidman. It was so awful I couldn't finish watching it!

[drg]

One thing to keep in mind, the Mapplethorpe people, via his estate and foundation, are 'on board' with this and can maybe keep it on track.

I've a concern about whether the interest in RM came first and then the notice of physical similarity between the proposed title role actor and subject, or vice versa? If the later as an attempt to promote him it could be starting off on the wrong footing.

Can it made with anything less than an 'R' rating? I don't care but will the Brahman's of Boston attempt a Ban?

Didn't anyone notice I fumble fingered the spelling of Mapplethorpe in the first post??

[hgld101]

Great. Robert Mapplethorpe is one of my favourites, not just because of his pictures but for his whole life. Not that I want to do anything similar in my own life, however. Sometimes I feel I'm so boring..

Yes indeed he is not only good for his photos his life experience is great also.

[megan]

We knew what you meant!