Auguste Rodin: The Genius, The Artist, The Romantic

Rodin, the genius, the artist, the romantic, speaks for himself and his art in this film that takes his life full circle from the age of 19 to the time of his death at 77. The brilliance of his revolutionary creations is seen outdoors in natural settings and in museums around the world. To view this film is to experience Rodins life, his spirit, and the moood of his work

RODIN was probably the greatest sculptor since Michelangelo. Far ahead of his time, he was both a romantic and a classicist, though his contemporaries often thought of him as a radical and revolutionary. His work celebrates the human form and sensuality. Several of the great Rodin museums and collections have been used to illustrate the best work of this 19th-century artist. The Burghers of Calais, The Thinker, The Kiss, and The Gates of Hell are a few of the masterpieces examined in detail.

The camera zooms in and out, gracefully gliding over and around each sculpture to show its three-dimensional quality and capture the play of light on the surface. There are few straight lines or angles shown. Much of Rodins work is fluid and sensual, featuring round edges and undulating surfaces. The sculptures have a life of their own, yet their essence has been frozen in time so that they will always elicit an emotional reaction from the viewer. The dramatic narrative moves well and advances the story of the artist.

This would be an excellent purchase for most library collections. The appeal is to adults, but artists and students could also enjoy this title. This well-produced program offers great appeal to those who desire to be awash in the artists celebration of beauty and sensuality. *****5-stars, ABC-CLIO Video Rating Guide for Libraries

Of interest, Camille Claudel, Rodin's mistress and prot is also featured in this film.