Pirosmani is a biographical drama film from Georgia, directed by Giorgi Shengelaia and Rezo Chkheidze. The film is a tribute to the artist Niko Pirosmani, who is considered one of Georgia's most renowned painters of the 20th century. The movie follows the life of Pirosmani, a humble and talented painter whose work and life experiences are portrayed cinematically.
The film primarily deals with the personal and artistic life of Niko Pirosmani, an impoverished artist who dedicated his life to painting. The movie begins with the young aspiring painter, Niko Pirosmani (played by Avtandil Varazi), and his journey as he moves from Kutaisi to Tbilisi, Georgia's capital city, to pursue his passion for art. He struggles to make ends meet as a painter, working various odd jobs to pay his bills, but always returning to his art.
Throughout the movie, we see the struggle that Pirosmani faced in gaining recognition from the public for his artwork. Despite his numerous paintings, he cannot manage to sell them at any exhibitions or art galleries. His artistic vision was not fully understood during his lifetime, yet he never gave up on his dream of painting unique masterpieces.
The movie is also interspersed with Pirosmani's personal life. We see glimpses of his romantic liaisons with different women he meets, but they never pan out. Pirosmani is a simple and understated character who only finds peace and happiness in his artwork.
The movie is entirely shot in black and white, giving the film a unique look and feel, and making it stand out from other biographical dramas. The cinematography is excellent, and the camera work captured the artistic essence of Pirosmani's style of painting. The movie follows the life of Niko Pirosmani from his humble beginnings as a painter, through his struggle for recognition, to his untimely death, without deviating from his artistic career.
The acting performances in this movie are genuinely captivating. The lead actor, Avtandil Varazi, does an exceptional job of bringing Niko Pirosmani's character to life. His magnificent portrayal of the tormented artist is commendable. Supporting cast members Dodo Abashidze and Zurab Kapianidze also perform exceptionally well, adding depth and authenticity to the movie's storyline.
The film's soundtrack is another standout feature, with traditional Georgian music setting the tone for the film. The music enhances the simple and rural Georgia setting, beautifully capturing the Georgian landscape and culture. The music complements the movie's pacing well, never overpowering Pirosmani's paintings, which are the highlights of the film.
The movie is an excellent tribute to Niko Pirosmani's artwork, and his legacy as a painter lives on beyond his death. The film is an intimate portrayal of an artist who lived a simple life filled with passion for his craft, but whose contribution to the art world was substantial. The movie has won several awards and has been critically acclaimed for its originality and cinematic excellence.
In conclusion, Pirosmani is a unique and remarkable movie that will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on its viewers. The film takes us on a journey through the life of a legendary painter, and the result is a touching and emotional portrayal of an artist whose talents went unrecognized during his lifetime. It is a movie that any art lover should watch as it captures the essence of Niko Pirosmani's artwork in a way that no one else could have captured.
Pirosmani is a 1969 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 25 minutes.
It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.7.
