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The Art of the Steal

Play trailer Poster for The Art of the Steal Released Feb 26, 2010 1h 41m Documentary Play Trailer Watchlist
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85% Tomatometer 62 Reviews 87% Popcornmeter 1,000+ Ratings
This film looks at the controversy surrounding the art collection of Dr. Albert C. Barnes, a millionaire who amassed a remarkable selection of significant works during the early 20th century. Barnes sought to keep his priceless pieces together as part of his foundation even after his death, but the involvement of numerous parties led to the scattering of his collection. This documentary sheds light on how his wishes were violated by a handful of opportunistic individuals.

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Critics Consensus

Deeply esoteric and unapologetically one-sided, The Art of the Steal proves a documentary doesn't have to make an objective argument as long as it argues well.

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Critics Reviews

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David Zuckerman Film Comment Magazine [Don] Argott has made a worthwhile contribution to a controversy that deserves an audience. Sep 24, 2014 Full Review Cliff Doerksen Chicago Reader Argott beautifully explicates how this crew pulled off the most daring daylight art theft in history, though his passionate identification with the pro-Barnes faction limits the movie's political nuance. Jan 3, 2011 Full Review Peter Rainer Christian Science Monitor The film's good versus bad scenario is, while understandable, too simplistic. Rated: B+ Apr 16, 2010 Full Review Brian Eggert Deep Focus Review Albeit the presentation of a one-sided argument, The Art of the Steal is nonetheless a captivating tale about the flexibility of the law when money is involved. Rated: 3.5/4 Aug 22, 2023 Full Review Rene Jordan El Nuevo Herald (Miami) The documentary is fascinating because… it focuses on art at the elite level. [Full review in Spanish] Aug 8, 2022 Full Review Dennis Schwartz Dennis Schwartz Movie Reviews A fascinating good guy vs. bad guy art film about the big business of culture, that puts it on the same footing as big corporations. Rated: B+ Jun 8, 2013 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Audience Member The filmmakers are only interested in exploring their own opinion, but the documentary is fascinating nonetheless. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 02/20/23 Full Review Audience Member Incredibly insightful movie about charities, trusts, and the art world . Rated 5 out of 5 stars 01/19/23 Full Review Audience Member What it comes down to is a subjective medium and whether the owner's original wishes should be withheld. I don't give a crap either way, but I would lean towards upholding the original will of Barnes, just because that's a legally binding indenture. But I can't lose any sleep over some pictures painted by mostly syphilitic douchebags being available for even wider public consumption. But it is also obvious the way in which this move went down was done by typical (and also mostly venereal-diseased) politicians was morally wrong. Basically, I walk away from this documentary hating everybody involved, all around. Rated 3 out of 5 stars 02/16/23 Full Review Audience Member Fascinating portrait of a wealthy man who had a very good eye for art, and the way his priceless paintings came into the clutches of the City of Philadelphia Rated 4 out of 5 stars 02/24/23 Full Review Audience Member A fascinating documentary about how The Beast steals anything it wants - including private art collections. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 02/13/23 Full Review Audience Member Well done and very informative documentary about the Barnes Foundation. The filmmakers are one-sided in their approach and seem blind to the hypocrisy of their their thesis but they have nevertheless made a compelling narrative. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 02/01/23 Full Review Read all reviews
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Movie Info

Synopsis This film looks at the controversy surrounding the art collection of Dr. Albert C. Barnes, a millionaire who amassed a remarkable selection of significant works during the early 20th century. Barnes sought to keep his priceless pieces together as part of his foundation even after his death, but the involvement of numerous parties led to the scattering of his collection. This documentary sheds light on how his wishes were violated by a handful of opportunistic individuals.
Director
Don Argott
Producer
Sheena M. Joyce
Distributor
IFC Films
Production Co
9.14 Pictures
Genre
Documentary
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Feb 26, 2010, Limited
Release Date (Streaming)
Mar 24, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA)
$541.0K
Runtime
1h 41m
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