No. 46 (2023) DALILAND. July 1st.

 

Film No. 46  (2023)  July 1st.  11:00 AM  LUNA LEEDERVILLE,  Cine 5, Leederville.

 

"It's like I've landed on another planet. I belong!" (James is asked how he is coping as Dali's personal assistant).

NOMINATION: (Mary Harron) The Golden Linden Award.

The legend that was Salvador Dali is brought to life here in a film that doesn't reveal anything new about his lavish lifestyle and the precociousness of his talent. But director Mary Harron has given an interpretation of a marriage that played a part in why the legend came to be. Barbara Sukowa's, Gala, Dali's wife, gives Ben Kingsley (Dali) a run for his money as the show-stealer!

The insight into Dali and his world of extravagance and brilliance is seen through the eyes of James (Christopher Briney), a young man with connections who is at a loose end in life. Through his naïve eyes, our mouths gape at the bursts of partying and creative endeavour (often simultaneous) that happen in the Dali apartment. James's job is to keep Dali focused on output. It is the early 70's. Dali is one of a few living artist making millions. Dali and Gala have expensive pursuits. His output needs to be prolific to maintain the expense. The film is entertainment more than a gritty insight into a period of the life of the legendary Salvador Dali.

Mary Harron has a fascination for contemporary artists when it comes to film. Her, THE NOTORIOUS BETTY PAGE and I SHOT ANDY WARHOL are better films, but she continues to give audiences a chance to glimpse  the world of prodigiously creative and eccentric people. She talks about a film (DALILAND) she has made which explores a "mad" marriage that forms the foundation for artworks that are boasted as Dali originals but which may not be. 

The production was restricted in all that it wanted to achieve. Harron could not gain approval to use images of his most iconic pieces. So if you think this film will feed that "itch" (Melting Watch, Lobster Telephone etc) then you'll be disappointed. Never the less, DALILAND is a relatively light, entertaining look a world so removed from what most of us could relate to it may as well be fantasy. It's likely some of it is, considering the number of fake Dali's there are in circulation.  8GUMS.