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Fur flies for an intense Nicole
FUR
Directed by Steven Shainberg
Certificate 15
THE fur has been flying with a vengeance in film circles, but not in the way its star Nicole Kidman expected. Hotly tipped for an Oscar last month, her chances took a dive with what are kindly called “mixed reviews” from US critics, plus concern over audience reaction to a theme which, to say the least, is controversial.
Nicole (pictured) took a courageous step to portray the acclaimed 1960s photographer Diane Arbus, who made her mark by capturing the “freaks” of life in her lens.
Her talent and eye for detail were undeniable. But her fascination for transvestites, giants, prostitutes and dwarves eclipsed any hope she might have of mainstream approval, though she retained a huge reputation among the literati and glitterati of New York’s chattering classes. It didn’t stop her from nose-diving into depression, instability and finally taking her own life in 1971.
The tag line to the movie is: “An imaginary portrait of Diane Arbus”, which means director Steven Shainberg can take liberties with the truth – and does.
From the window of her apartment block Diane spots a neighbour (Robert Downey Jnr) who is covered in facial fur, and finds herself immediately drawn to him. Indeed, in a dramatic role reversal he tells her that he has been “waiting for a real freak” to liberate his own spirit, and she becomes the willing catalyst.
Nicole gives a performance of searing intensity, while Ty Burrell scores as her long-suffering photographer husband Allan in an emotional drama that may not make comfortable viewing, but is certainly ripe for discussion afterwards. |
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