Is Poles Apart: The Blue Poles Controversy Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2001)

📖 The Core Premise

With the release of Poles Apart: The Blue Poles Controversy (2001), audiences are invited back into the world of Documentary. At its heart, the film explores complex themes wrapped in a compelling storyline. As the plot unfolds, we see characters navigating a world where stakes are high. "The year is 1973. A reforming Labor government swept into power determined to change the direction of the country. In an act of unpredendented daring the Whitlam government paid the highest price ever for an American painting for it's planned National Gallery. The painting was Jackson Pollock's "Blue Poles". 'Drunks did it' screamed the tabloid press. Journalists, politicians and cartoonists had a field day, while everybody, but everybody, across the nation had an opinion. Today painter Jackson Pollock's masterpiece is unquestionably the most famous painting in Australia. It has become a symbol of our independence, signaling the departure from our British roots and entry into a brave new world."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. Unfortunately, Jackson Pollock feels underutilized in a role that lacks depth. The direction aims to balance pacing with character development, a hallmark of good Documentary. While there are moments of brilliance, the pacing occasionally dips.

🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)

Is Poles Apart: The Blue Poles Controversy worth your time? If you appreciate Documentary films that take risks, this is likely a decent one-time watch. However, if you are looking for a flawless masterpiece, you might find some plot points predictable.

🏆 Final Verdict

Ultimately, Poles Apart: The Blue Poles Controversy misses the mark on several fronts. With a runtime of 52 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Skip It.