Search - Jack Smith and the Destruction of Atlantis on DVD

Story of a true genius

Noah Fence | Louisville KY | 12/09/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"i just caught this on Sundance. What a brilliant portrait of Jack Smith, told with wit and love, although I'm sure he wasn't easy to love! Smith was the finest artist of the 20th C. and it is tragic that he refused to promote himself like others did. However, his failure to pursue fame and fortune (he was vehemently anti-capitalist) adds to his mystique and ensures his fame will grow over the years. His visual sense is beyond compare -- the colors and shapes (e.g, pink gowns and lilies amid jungle greenery) are unforgettable. His feud with Jonas Mekas is funny and sad.

The editing here is superb. This film is a must for any fan of Jack Smith or the underground films and theater of the 1960's. Smith's influence will never not be felt."

Exempted from comparison

Michael Weil | Boston, MA USA | 04/06/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This documentary defies the definition of same; it is as if it is consumed by the very spirit of the artist who is its subject. I believe this is due to the fact that the power of Jack Smith's performance art is such that it imbues everyone and everything it touches with his mystique, aura, and ambiance, and conversely anyone or anything that touches his art in turn crosses the threshold into Smith's totally unique plane of existence, astoundly elevated level of comprehension, and utterly original manner of expression. This is indeed a three-fold classic: its consistently masterful visual presentation, its exhibition of keen historical understanding, and its deeply appreciative embrace of its subject raise it to an extremely high level in the biographical documentary arena."