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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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Tomatometer 4 Reviews 100% Popcornmeter Fewer than 50 Ratings
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

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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 Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Darla R First off I am a product of the 80's and I love documentaries so there are two things right off that are a plus. This documentary shows a true artist with all of the ups, and downs that life throws at us. Its raw, entertaining, and inspiring all at the same time. Great work. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 09/04/25 Full Review Paul G What an amazing story about the life and work of such an incredible artists, Scooter LaForge. I didn’t know too much about Scooter before watching this doc and I was blown away by the storytelling, the art – not only Scooter’s art but the art direction in the film and editing – the generation arc that this movie covers. The way that the art grew along with the events of the era. Whether that was political, social, or personal, the art seemed to always be adapting and shifting. I was so inspired by Scooter’s tenacity and compassion. The director, Ethan Minsker, did a wonderful job sculpting this narrative from the people that were interviewed to the main subject himself, who was so candid and honest. This is a beautiful piece of work and makes you consider what you are really witnessing when you look at art. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 08/29/25 Full Review 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 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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