Jack Smith and the Destruction of Atlantis

2006

1h 35m

Documentary

List

85%

Tomatometer

20 Reviews

86%

Popcornmeter

1,000+ Ratings

Interviews with underground filmmaker, photographer and performance artist Jack Smith.

Critics Consensus

Jack Smith and the Destruction of Atlantis aims an illuminating -- and long overdue -- spotlight on a talented artist and admirable public figure.

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Wesley Morris

Boston Globe

Mary Jordan's documentary Jack Smith and the Destruction of Atlantis is part unsparing explication of a life story, part love-stuck personification of Smith's working philosophy.

Rated: 3.5/4

Nov 30, 2007

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Ben Walters

Time Out

Jordan's film is a glorious visual achievement in its own right, as well as part of the rancorous ongoing dispute over Smith's legacy.

Apr 14, 2007

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Noel Murray

AV Club

If modern art-lovers want to understand what the Jack Smith experience was like, Jordan's documentary may be their best chance.

Rated: B+

Apr 14, 2007

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Dennis Schwartz

Dennis Schwartz Movie Reviews

Depicted as the uncompromising artist who went to the grave for his art.

Rated: B+

Mar 3, 2013

Full Review

Donald J. Levit

ReelTalk Movie Reviews

Eccentric and pure like its hero, JSDA may appall or bore the many but should delight devotees of the real reel underground.

Jan 8, 2012

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Film Threat

Rated: 3.5/5

Jun 5, 2007

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Audience Member

well, this guy was definitely interesting and this was at time entertaining to watch... mainly to see the influence of his impact on the downtown scene, including Warhol...

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

02/20/23

Full Review

Audience Member

All my old art school buds should see this. Absolutely fantastic portrait of an artist who refused to make art that was for commercial consumption or collection by wealthy elites. Warhol stole everything from him. Considering he never "finished" a single film after his first was banned in the USA the director does an amazing job of assembling footage form all his films and adding it a soundtrack of music and voice-over that is just as compelling as the images you are seeing. Really good stuff, beautiful use of color!

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

01/31/23

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Audience Member

Now I'll definitely have to check out some Jack Smith. He seems kind of like the American Paradjanov.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

02/20/23

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Audience Member

Totally crazy... but it explains what being outside the system is really about. I think I hadn't ever understood underground film until I watched this.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

02/01/23

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Audience Member

Interesting doc on experimental filmmaker Jack Smith. It does make me want to see some of his work... but I don't think I'd have him over for Xmas dinner though.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

02/10/23

Full Review

Audience Member

I loved learning about this fantastic man who influenced Andy Warhol, John Waters the Kuchar Brothers and many others.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

02/16/23

Full Review

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Mariangela Giordano

Director

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Critical Consensus: "Hoax" Shines; Force Is With "ATHF"; "Disturbia" Mixed; "Pathfinder," "Stranger" Not Perfect; "Redline," Slow Burn" Not Screened

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Synopsis

Interviews with underground filmmaker, photographer and performance artist Jack Smith.

Director: Mariangela Giordano
Genre: Documentary
Original Language: English
Release Date (DVD): May 25, 2010
Runtime: 1h 35m