This is a lovely premise for a film. Breaking from their usual focus on a specific exhibition or artist, the Exhibition on Screen team decided to take a look at the National Gallery in London through the eyes of the art lovers who pass through its doors: staff, security guards, curators, historians, and, above all, members of the public (a couple of them quite famous). The National Gallery is free, and there are more than 2000 art works in its collection. Here, each interviewee gets four or five minutes to tell us about his or her favourite painting. Often this involves more than just insightful contemplation of the art, but anecdotes and personal histories. My National Gallery tells us so much about the true value of art, how it can bond different generations and help us navigate our lives.
Jan 3: Q&A with director Phil Grabsky
A warm, civilised, and at points quite moving film,
Andrew Pulver, The Guardian
Phil Grabsky & Ali Ray
Jonathan Conlin, Michael Palin, Claudia Winkleman, Terry Gilliam
UK
2024
English
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