Is The Business of Thought: A Recorded History of Artists Space Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2020)

📖 The Core Premise

With the release of The Business of Thought: A Recorded History of Artists Space (2020), 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. "An oral history of Artists Space, the legendary New York artists organization. Told through the voices of the artists, critics and curators who formed it, the film is narrated by voiceover culled from 30 hours of archival cassette tape interviews over a 45 year period. Artists such as Laurie Anderson, Mike Kelley, Hito Steyerl and David Wojnarowicz walk us through the decades. A formally-experimental and raucously-told chronology composed of rare archival documentation, The Business of Thought... is a reminder of the radical potential of the arts and the importance of collective, cultural spaces."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. Unfortunately, Laurie Anderson 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 The Business of Thought: A Recorded History of Artists Space 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, The Business of Thought: A Recorded History of Artists Space misses the mark on several fronts. With a runtime of 11 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Skip It.