Burden
Burden

Movie spotlight

Burden

2019
Movie
22 min
English

Burden tells the story of Bennett Lewis (Nic Few), a highly successful and highly educated family man who in spite of his success still has to deal with the perils of being a Black man in America.

Insights

IMDb7.0/10
Rotten Tomatoes94%
Metacritic78/100
Google Users94%
Director: Timothy MarrinanGenres: Documentary

Plot Summary

Burden chronicles the extraordinary life and work of artist Chris Burden, known for his provocative and often dangerous performance art pieces. The documentary delves into his early stunts, his exploration of the body as a site of extreme experience, and his later, more sculptural and architectural works. It examines the risks he took and the profound impact his art had on the cultural landscape.

Critical Reception

Burden was widely acclaimed by critics for its insightful portrayal of an influential and controversial artist. Reviewers praised its comprehensive look at Burden's career, highlighting his fearless approach to art and the deep philosophical questions his work raised about society, violence, and endurance. The film was noted for its access to Burden's personal archives and its balanced perspective on his challenging oeuvre.

What Reviewers Say

  • A compelling and comprehensive portrait of a groundbreaking performance artist.

  • The film effectively captures the intensity and danger inherent in Chris Burden's most famous works.

  • Praised for its thorough exploration of Burden's artistic evolution and philosophical underpinnings.

Google audience: Google users overwhelmingly praised Burden for its fascinating and in-depth look at Chris Burden's life and provocative art. Reviewers found the documentary to be a captivating and thought-provoking exploration of an artist who pushed boundaries. Many highlighted the film's success in conveying the intensity and significance of his work.

Awards & Accolades

Won the Grand Jury Prize: U.S. Documentary at the 2018 Sundance Film Festival. Received positive reviews and nominations for documentary awards.

Fun Fact

Chris Burden famously had himself shot in the arm for his 1974 performance piece 'Shoot', a stark exploration of violence and vulnerability that became one of his most iconic works.

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