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Scooter LaForge: A Life of Art

Play trailer 2:09 Poster for Scooter LaForge: A Life of Art 2023 1h 20m Biography Documentary LGBTQ+ Play Trailer Watchlist
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In Scooter LaForge: A Life of Art, the iconic queer artist reflects on his career, his struggles and triumphs, and the impact that current events have had on his life and the lives of so many artists in NYC. Originally from New Mexico, LaForge exhibits a signature style that is instantly recognizable, yet perpetually reinvented. His bespoke painted clothing, which claimed the attention and subsequent partnership of famed designer Patricia Field, has become a specialized luxury, sought after by celebrities such as Debbie Harry, Beyoncé, and Nicki Minaj. Layered with childhood fantasy and adult themes, classical inspiration and modern social commentary, his pieces are woven together using paint, found objects, fabric, and anything else that strikes his fancy.

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Scooter LaForge: A Life of Art

Critics Reviews

View All (5) Critics Reviews
Jennie Kermode Eye for Film Ultimately, the result is an uneven but entertaining project that places the spotlight on an uncompromising artist whose painful journey led him to become a staple of New York's underground art scene. Rated: 3/5 Aug 30, 2024 Full Review Federico Furzan Movie-Blogger.com An exceptional piece about the life of one of modern art's greatest performers, Scooter LaForge. Aug 29, 2024 Full Review Bill Arceneaux Moviegoing with Bill To call this movie colorful would be an understatement. It’s practically coated with sugar. And it’s delicious. Rated: 3.5/5 May 29, 2024 Full Review Bobby LePire Film Threat Running around 80 minutes, Scooter LaForge: A Life Of Art does not waste a second. The subject is interesting, and his art is incredible. Rated: 9/10 May 20, 2024 Full Review Alejandro Turdó Hoy Sale Cine Scooter LaForge: A Life of Art is an intimate portrait about an artist deeply connected with his feelings and his imagination, resulting in a body of work that aims at spreading a positive loving message to everyone. Rated: 8/10 May 17, 2024 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

View All (29) audience reviews
Rich G This film is culturally relevant especially in these troubled times. It's a heartfelt portrait of a working / living artist who has faced extreme obstacles to pursue his art. The artwork is not just beautiful, but the documentary itself is stylized and wonderfully filled with important face-paced information and close personal stories of Mr. LaForge and his surrounding network of friends, family, and fellow collaborators. The director Ethan Minsker has made very interesting cinematic choices that lead us on a journey as I found myself not just loving the art but appreciating and respecting the artist. I am so gland I now know the work and life of Scooter LaForge. Don't wait. Give this one a watch Rated 5 out of 5 stars 04/13/25 Full Review Justin A It's a great art doc with a lot of heart and emotion. Seeing him overcome the trials and tribulations makes you reflect on your own art and the pursuit of it. It's an inspirational piece that everyone should watch and take in. This doc reminded me of Basquiat and his work, definitely a doc for people who are art buffs but also for viewers who want to discover another brilliant artist who's struggles have not held him back from achieving his true destiny. Must see!! Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 03/16/25 Full Review Cinder C Very engaging documentary on a prolific artist and designer and in the downtown New York scene. The film has great visual design befitting the subject matter and energy. It’s shot and edited well and is matched with lovely soundtrack. As an artist myself, I really enjoyed looking through this window of Scooter LaForge’s background, worldview, and process. I particularly enjoyed the immediacy of his art making and how he is inspired by the world around him and imbues his art with activism. It reminded me that art can and is made with what we have on hand, an excellent reminder in our day and age of consumerism and waste. It’s a great entry point into his work as well as other talented working artists. Fashionistas will enjoy interviews with Patricia Field. Great film! I highly recommend for all creatives to watch. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/11/25 Full Review Pat H 'Scooter LaForge: A Life in Art' is a beautifully realised love letter to creativity, art and individuality. It's rare to see a documentary put together with quite this much flare and care; taking us into the world of Scooter's art with an absorbing and confident visual style. The piece uses everything from onscreen animation to rotoscoping to stop-motion turnarounds of physical art pieces, yet this visual delirium never feels forced or 'too much', because it's entirely in keeping with the subject matter and atmosphere. The use of music keeps everything driving forward at a rapid rate of knots. The documentary doesn't sugar-coat the more challenging aspects of Scooter LaForge's work or life, instead dealing with these sides of the story with empathy and a considered approach. This is a film very much aware of that tipping point where the desire to create art becomes the *necessity* to create art. The integration of comedy and cartoonish imagery into work that, at its heart, has some deeply serious concerns bubbling under the surface is a fascinating side of what we see on display here. Ethan Minsker's confident direction stops the portrait feeling too self-congratulatory despite the visual bells and whistles. This is confident, emotional and, at times, almost visually overwhelming filmmaking. If you feel the heartbeat of creativity beating inside your own chest, this one is a must-see. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 01/13/25 Full Review James C Scooter LaForge: A Life of Art is a fascinating look into the mind of an artist. Whether you've heard of Scooter LaForge or not, this film will give you incredible insights into the background of what makes a unique artist. From the struggles of COVID-19 as an artist to dealing with coming out as a child there are thousands of factors that contribute to Scooters unique style. To be honest I had never heard of Scooter LaForge before, and even though I am a creative myself we come from VERY different lifestyles. So it was illuminating to see how a fellow creative can take such a different life path. The 2D animations on top of the footage was a wonderful touch that made simple footage far more engaging. Kudos to director Ethan Minsker for documenting such a unique personality and making it available to the masses. I found the film engaging from the begging as it introduced us to art before the artist. And slowly unfolded the struggles and challenges that made the artist! Rated 4 out of 5 stars 10/15/24 Full Review Ruby C It is fascinating to learn what brings art out in an artist and this documentary shares just that. The soundtrack and visuals used in editing added to the effects of the story in a way that was engaging, beautiful and it makes it feel like a true immersive and artistic experience. It is heartbreaking to learn the dark sides of life that people go thru and uplifting when you see someone who is fortunate enough to leave behind a toxic life. So is the life of LaForge. It was inspirational to witness him make his magic from a healthy place as opposed to so many others who have not been so lucky. His work of art is a self expression of his thoughts, ideas and creativity and we get to see so much of it thru the film. We also get to witness his imagination on screen by use of visual edits. I am glad I came across this documentary and that I learned about an artist I hadn't heard of before. I will definitely be following his work and hope some ends up in museums where they belong! A little spoiler here - Chanel copied his design! Bravo!! Definitely a recommended film! Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 10/01/24 Full Review Read all reviews
Scooter LaForge: A Life of Art

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Movie Info

Synopsis In Scooter LaForge: A Life of Art, the iconic queer artist reflects on his career, his struggles and triumphs, and the impact that current events have had on his life and the lives of so many artists in NYC. Originally from New Mexico, LaForge exhibits a signature style that is instantly recognizable, yet perpetually reinvented. His bespoke painted clothing, which claimed the attention and subsequent partnership of famed designer Patricia Field, has become a specialized luxury, sought after by celebrities such as Debbie Harry, Beyoncé, and Nicki Minaj. Layered with childhood fantasy and adult themes, classical inspiration and modern social commentary, his pieces are woven together using paint, found objects, fabric, and anything else that strikes his fancy.
Director
Ethan H. Minsker
Producer
Ethan H. Minsker
Screenwriter
Ethan H. Minsker
Distributor
Indie Rights
Production Co
Minsker & Lee Productions
Genre
Biography, Documentary, LGBTQ+
Original Language
English
Release Date (Streaming)
Apr 23, 2024
Runtime
1h 20m
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