Simon Schama's Power of Art

( 3 )

Overview

Sharply narrowing his focus a bit from his earlier BBC-produced effort, The History of Britain, author, professor, and art historian Simon Schama devotes eight hours to eight landmark works in The Power of Art, exploring how these masterpieces changed the way the world looks at art. The series, a highlight of PBS's summer 2007 schedule, affords a television history of the creative moment, depicting embattled heroes confronting disaster and triumph while making art that continues to resonate. Propelled by Schama's...
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More About This Product

Overview

Sharply narrowing his focus a bit from his earlier BBC-produced effort, The History of Britain, author, professor, and art historian Simon Schama devotes eight hours to eight landmark works in The Power of Art, exploring how these masterpieces changed the way the world looks at art. The series, a highlight of PBS's summer 2007 schedule, affords a television history of the creative moment, depicting embattled heroes confronting disaster and triumph while making art that continues to resonate. Propelled by Schama's passionate storytelling, The Power of Art melds dramatic reenactments, location shooting, and art photography to create a challenging series that explores the power and, ultimately, the whole point of art. The series takes viewers on a sweeping cinematic journey to the turning points in the lives of eight artists and a work that defined each one's career: Vincent van Gogh (1853-90) and Wheatfield with Crows; Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) and Guernica; Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio (1571-1610) and David with the Head of Goliath; Gian Lorenzo Bernini (1598-1680) and The Ecstasy of St. Theresa; Rembrandt van Rijn (1606-69) and The Conspiracy of the Batavians Under Claudius Civilis; Jacques-Louis David (1748-1825) and The Death of Marat; J.M.W. Turner (1775-1851) and Slave Ship; Mark Rothko (1903-70) and the Seagram murals. In studying these masterworks, Schama finds the history of humanity's creative spark and the hope of its rekindled future.
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Special Features

Audio commentaries with Simon Schama, Clare Beavan, David Belton & Andy Serkis; Interview with Simon Schama
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Editorial Reviews

New York Times - Alessandra Stanley
Power of Art succeeds not because of the power of the chosen masterpieces but because Mr. Schama masterfully weaves engaging mysteries around each artwork. And he walks and talks viewers through it all in a History Boys style that is so chatty and disarming that even the flintiest museumphobe wants to stick around to find out what happened next.
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Product Details

  • Release Date: 6/19/2007
  • UPC: 794051299628

    • Rating:

  • Source: Bbc Warner
  • Region Code: 1
  • Language: English
  • Time: 6:40:00
  • Format: DVD
  • Sales rank: 14,623

Cast & Crew

Performance Credits
Simon Schama Narrator
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Menu

Disc #1 -- Simon Schama's Power of Art: Caravaggio/Bernini/Rembrandt
   Caravaggio
   Bernini
   Rembrandt
   Play All
   Commentary
      Bernini Commentary With Simon Schama and Producer Clare Beavan: Play
   Subtitles: On
   Subtitles: Off
Disc #2 -- Simon Schama's Power of Art: David/Turner/Van Gogh
   David
   Turner
   Van Gogh
   Play All
   Commentary
      David Commentary With Simon Schama and Producer Clare Beavan: Play
      Van Gogh Commentary With Simon Schama and Director David Belton and Andy Serkis: Play
   Subtitles: On
   Subtitles: Off
Disc #3 -- Simon Schama's Power of Art: Picasso/Rothko
   Picasso
   Rothko
   Play All
   Interview With Simon Schama
   Subtitles: On
   Subtitles: Off
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Customer Reviews

Average Rating 5
( 3 )
Rating Distribution

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Sort by: Showing all of 3 Customer Reviews

  • Posted October 1, 2010

    more from this reviewer

    Fantastic Series!

    Once again, Simon Schama hits a home run with a great analysis of modern art and its relevance to life and art. If you enjoy art and enjoy Simon Schama, you will enjoy this series!

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Posted October 1, 2010

    I Also Recommend:

    Power of Art
    A History of Britain: The Complete Collection

    That's the Power of Art

    Simon Schama's history documentaries and books have never failed to please me, and "Power of Art" is no exception. In fact, it may be the best Schama series I've seen. His engaging biographies of these half-dozen artists are enlivened by the contributions of actors (including Andy Serkis of Gollum fame) portraying these tortured creative souls. It helps that the subjects themselves -- including van Gogh and Caravaggio -- are compelling personalities. However, Simon Schama's revealing storytelling really brings them to life and illuminates their artistic creations. I highly recommend this series.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Anonymous

    Posted August 7, 2009

    No text was provided for this review.

Sort by: Showing all of 3 Customer Reviews