The B-Side: Elsa Dorfman's Portrait Photography

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Audience Member Tried to like this one but couldn’t see the appeal of the photography or anything compelling about the story. Rated 2/5 Stars •  Rated 2 out of 5 stars 06/03/20 Full Review Audience Member I usually love documentaries like this, but found this one lacking in depth and the anecdotes related within of no interest or note. Rated 1.5/5 Stars •  Rated 1.5 out of 5 stars 01/20/23 Full Review reuben m I saw this delightful little film at our local "art house" cinema this weekend. It's a light, airy but entertaining work from Errol Morris, who apparently is actually a friend of the film's subject, Elsa Dorfman. Elsa Dorfman is a photographer of some renown, who truly carved a niche for herself when she began doing portraits on the amazing large format Polaroids. She's now staring retirement in the face because Polaroid is no longer making the film she needs. Morris has caught her at a time of looking back, of reflection on her career and life. She's a bit melancholy but also cheerful. Dorfman is just an interesting subject to spend time with. She's a delightfully quirky lady who offers refreshingly honest and unpretentious observations about art (mostly hers). This is not a philosophical film...it's more about capturing the life and enthusiasms of a well-known, if not quite famous, photographer. That she happened to be great friends with many Beat artists, particularly Ginsberg, is an added plus, because she has some delightful stories to share. This is an easy, conversation movie about art, an artist, and the life of an artist. It's not glamorous, but it also doesn't wallow in "oh, the suffering one must endure for art." Dorfman is a practical person. Morris gently prods her for insights...but there's nothing here that's too biting or cutting. We get to see lots of her portraits, and many are indeed delightful. This was a feel-good movie...brisk and breezy and nice to look at. I do very much recommend it. Rated 4/5 Stars •  Rated 4 out of 5 stars 03/31/23 Full Review Audience Member It's too bad people don't really go out and see movies like this, because rarely do documentaries, or even films for that matter, today have as much heart as The B-Side has for its subject. Rated 4/5 Stars •  Rated 4 out of 5 stars 01/14/23 Full Review tom e She was more interesting to me than her photographs, the way she spoke of the creative 'process' and speaking to the issue of what happens to all her photos when she is gone. I think some viewers will find it to be too slow and not fascinating enough to hold their interest. Rated 3/5 Stars •  Rated 3 out of 5 stars 03/31/23 Full Review Audience Member Absolutely loved this gem. So much to learn about this wonderful woman. Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/12/23 Full Review Read all reviews

The B-Side: Elsa Dorfman's Portrait Photography

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