Pascal Bonitzer’s “Auction” pulls viewers into the quirky world of the French art market. The film opens with auctioneer André Masson (played by Alex Lutz) and an intern named Aurore (Louise Chevillotte) visiting a blind woman eager to sell a valuable painting. Despite her bitter attitude and unsavory views, André only cares about the profit. This sets the stage for a deeper exploration of art’s true value.
From the start, “Auction” raises big questions: Who deserves art? How does profit affect our appreciation of it? André is driven and ruthlessly ambitious, embodying a moral ambiguity. He believes, “Being hated is good for the neurons,” and thrives on the tension around him. Yet, the plot soon presents a painting thought lost during WWII: Egon Schiele’s “Wilted Sunflowers.” This real-life artwork was actually found in 2005 and sold for over $13 million, illustrating the film’s theme of art’s tangled history.
Bonitzer, a seasoned filmmaker with ties to French cinema, emphasizes how people’s relationships with art reveal their characters. Rather than presenting André as a classic hero, the film casts him as a guide through the chaotic art world. The narrative evolves like an auction itself—unpredictable and frantic.
The discovery of “Wilted Sunflowers” sparks a frenzy among various characters, each with their own agendas. Martin (Arcadi Radeff), the factory worker who possesses the painting, finds himself in a web of manipulation by friends, a layabout lawyer (Nora Hamzawi), and even a mysterious American claiming to represent the painting’s rightful heirs. André’s ex-wife, Bertina (Léa Drucker), adds an interesting dimension as she plays both a friend and a potential rival amid the chaos.
As the hectic negotiations unfold, Bonitzer explores how discussions about art also reveal deeper truths about self-worth and societal values. Each argument about the painting reflects the characters’ inner struggles. The film is fast-paced, filled with witty exchanges and hidden motivations, keeping viewers engaged.
While it might seem lighthearted, the film underscores a serious truth: if you choose to participate in the art market, you must accept its rules. The price of art can be dictated by perception as much as its intrinsic quality. Among all the characters, only Martin stands apart, quietly asserting his own value amid a sea of self-serving elites.
Overall, “Auction” provides a thoughtful yet amusing look at the world of art, asking us to consider not just the worth of a piece but the worth of ourselves and those around us.
“Auction” is currently in theaters. For further insights on films and critical reviews, check out IndieWire.
Source link
Auction,Film,Pascal Bonitzer,Reviews
