Educational Media Reviews Online

Founded by John and Dominique de Menil, the Rothko Chapel is a non-denominational sanctuary as well as an art gallery for fourteen paintings by Mark Rothko. Unfortunately, this film does not do justice to either the building or the art it houses. The film begins with voiceover discussing the general ideas behind the chapel and footage of its dedication, but the remainder contains little more than montages of the worship services of different faiths. Filmed in 1972, the look is dated. Long, lingering close-ups of the chapel’s patrons serve to show the nature of the building as a place for reflection, but the content is unable to sustain the run time. Everything worth watching in the 68 minute film is also contained in the 14 minute “short version”. In fact, the most useful information is contained in an 8 minute interview with the film’s directors, discussing the film. Recommended with reservations.