Maurizio Cattelan: Be Right Back is a captivating film that provides an intimate and thought-provoking examination of the enigmatic and globally renowned contemporary artist, Maurizio Cattelan. This film is a meticulously crafted narrative intertwining the unique life and unusual career of the passionate, controversial Italian artist known for his provocative work. Directed by Maura Axelrod, this 2016 American documentary features Francesco Bonami, Massimiliano Gioni, and, of course, Maurizio Cattelan himself, offering personal perspectives and profound insight into the artist's journey and the contemporary art world.

The movie's title, "Be Right Back," is derived from one of Cattelan's remarks, suggesting his frequent and often unpredictable hiatuses from the art world. This idea of coming and going, and thus the recurring motif of absence and return, serves as a central theme throughout the film. It creates an atmosphere of suspense and intrigue, keeping viewers further engrossed in this cinematic dissection of Cattelan's life and career.

The narrative begins with Cattelan's humble origins in Padua, Italy, before delving into his meteoric and somewhat unconventional rise to international recognition. Intertwined with observations from an array of art critics, dealers, museum directors and collectors, the narrative stage is set to explore the artist's controversial artistry, which often oscillates between humor and provocation.

Juxtaposing conversations with significant figures in the art world, with candid interviews with Cattelan, the documentary efficiently reveals the man behind the art. It also presents a selection of his significant sculptures, installations, and performances, completed in the latter half of the 20th century and early parts of the 21st century. Cattelan's art, known for its satirical take on subjects like religion, power, and the art world itself, adds another level of complexity and engagement to this documentary.

This film displays the elusive nature of its subject matter splendidly, providing a comprehensive yet non-reductive examination of Maurizio Cattelan. Axelrod embraces Cattelan's mystery, recognizing it as part of his appeal. Despite the detailed analysis, Cattelan remains an enigma - a combination of a prankster, a promoter, an artist, and a critic, which is perfectly aligned with his undeniable talent for evading clear-cut definitions. It encapsulates how, over the years, Cattelan has blurred the lines between the man and the artist, between his life and his artwork, and among truth, hoax, and hyperbole.

The film also offers marker moments in Cattelan's career, such as his first exhibition at a local gallery in Milan, his breaking into the New York art scene, and his audacious work showcased at prestigious events like the Venice Biennale. 'La Nona Hora,' an installation depicting Pope John Paul II struck by a meteorite; and 'Him,' a sculpture of a kneeling Hitler are also presented, reminding the audience of the controversies and conversations that his art generates.

Through archival footage, the documentary takes viewers to his dramatic retrospective at the Guggenheim Museum in New York, where Cattelan announced he was retiring from art. There, all his artworks were displayed hanging from the museum's ceiling, quite fitting for an artist who consistently defied and mocked conventions.

Cattelan's brother, sister, girlfriends, and collaborators are also featured in the film, providing snippets of his personal life and deeper understanding of his motivations and the man behind the artist persona. These testimonies add a humanizing and poignant touch to the bowels of the art world and its often-impenetrable idiosyncrasies.

"Maurizio Cattelan: Be Right Back" is a film that invites the audience inside the fascinating life of one of the greatest artists of our time. It is an exploration of the paradoxes of contemporary art and the figure of the artist. It presents Cattelan as a person who continually reinvents the rules of the game and challenges the art world system. It takes the viewer on a multi-layered journey, inviting them to question their conception of art, interpretation, and the role of the artist.

Overall, the movie is a compelling journey through cheeky creativity, subversive provocation, and the passionate man behind it all. Not just for fans of contemporary art, this documentary proves enriching for anyone interested in the intersection of life, art, and individuality. It's an alluring, thought-provoking exploration of one man's creative journey and the myriad ways in which he has left his mark on the world of art. It's a must-watch for those keen on exploring the eccentricity of the art world and the enigma that is Maurizio Cattelan.