Burden

"Burden" is a compelling documentary film that revolves around the life and prolific career of Chris Burden, an avant-garde artist lauded for his radical and hard-hitting artworks. Released in 2016, the film offers a comprehensive and provocative portrayal of Burden's life, bringing to light his profound influence on contemporary art. Leveraging interviews, archival footage, and in-depth analysis of his works, the movie provides an intimate understanding of Burden's contributions and struggles, making it a compelling watch for art enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

The film is a celebration of the originality and bravery of an artist who consistently risked his life in the pursuit of his art. The film introduces the audience to Burden's early works from the 1970s, many of which were performance-based and carried strong social commentary, often with self-endangering elements. Remembered for his exceptional dedication, Burden even went as far as to have himself shot, electrocuted, and crucified on a Volkswagen Beetle to create emotion-provoking performances.

Insightful and compelling interviews with renowned artists Marina Abramovic and Vito Acconci enliven the documentary. They provide thought-provoking perspectives on Burden and his works, adding dimension to his character and artistic genius. Throughout the film, viewers gain a detailed understanding of Burden's artistic philosophy and methodology, along with a first-hand experience of his performances' psychological intensity and physical endurance.

Grounding Chris Burden's art in its cultural and historical context, the film also offers an examination of the 70s art scene and its radical transformation. Simultaneously, the movie underscores the importance and relevance of his legacy in the contemporary art world, revealing the meaning behind his art and its lasting impact on society.

The narrative also delves into the more private aspects of Burden's life, glimpses of which had already been made public through some of his autobiographical art pieces. Yet it's in his late-career shift to monumental sculptures and installations where viewers get to see his technical brilliance and persistent dedication that fuelled his success amid the skepticism of critics and art patrons.

Directors Timothy Marrinan and Richard Dewey do an excellent job balancing the exploration of Burden's personal life and professional career without losing sight of his artistic vision. They encapsulate the essence of Burden's daring and audacious spirit, effectively transmitting the physicality and immediacy of his works. Marrinan and Dewey manage to humanize the controversial artist without sanitizing or romanticizing his past, crafting a balanced portrayal that respects Burden’s legacy while enlightening the viewer on the background and motivation behind his art.

"Burden" also explores the artist's evolution over his career, showcasing his trajectory from attention-grabbing performance art in his early years to more mature, less self-destructive, yet large-scale pieces in his later career. It fascinatingly delves into Burden's transition from destructive to constructive, from his “dangerous” art to his technical and architectural wonders, offering viewers profound insight into his thought process and nature.

The film is an immersive experience beyond simply being a documentary, transporting viewers to the heart of the 70s art scene and offering them a front-row seat to the dramatic performances and art installations that shook the world. While "Burden" may not find appeal among those unfamiliar with the art world, it certainly serves as an essential viewing for anyone interested in art history or wanting to understand one of the most influential and controversial artists of the 20th century.

In conclusion, "Burden" serves as an evocative and engaging tribute to a provocative artist who pushed the boundaries of art and society. It manages to not just capture Burden's artistic genius but also shine a light on the man behind the art, offering viewers a deeper insight into Chris Burden the person and the artist. This riveting tour-de-force is sure to provoke thought and fascination about art and the lengths an artist goes to for their craft.