North Star: Mark di Suvero 2011
Distributed by National Film Board of Canada, 1123 Broadway, Suite 307, New York, NY 10010; 800-542-2164
Produced by Francois de Menil, Barbara Rose, Parrot Productions
Directed by Francois de Menil
DVD , color and b&w, 55 min.
Jr. High - General Adult
Art, Biography, Sculpture
Date Entered: 07/11/2013
Reviewed by Sebastian DerryFilmed in 1977 and featuring a score by Philip Glass, and newly-released on DVD North Star is a remarkably candid and fascinating portrayal of Mark Di Suvero (b. 1933), one of the preeminent American sculptors of modern times.
The camera gets in close with di Suvero; early on in a heated exchange with the film’s director di Suvero exclaims “Everything I have to say is in my sculptures, I am stunned that you don’t see it.” But we do see his sculptures, and so much more. From sketching ideas with charcoal on paper, to full-on construction, assembly and installation of his massive steel creations, including his project “Etoile Polaire/North Star”, the film gives us a rich and nuanced portrait of an artist and the passion which drives him.
Highly recommended for all libraries.