Velvet Buzzsaw
Velvet Buzzsaw

Velvet Buzzsaw

2019Movie113 minEnglish

Big money artists and mega-collectors pay a high price when art collides with commerce. After a series of paintings by an unknown artist are discovered, a supernatural force enacts revenge on those who have allowed their greed to get in the way of art.

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Insights

IMDb5.7/10
Rotten Tomatoes61%
Metacritic52/100
Google Users51%
Director: Dan GilroyGenres: Horror, Comedy, Thriller

Plot Summary

In the cutthroat world of Los Angeles art collecting, ambitious gallery owner Morf Vandewalt discovers a trove of stunning paintings by a reclusive, deceased artist. As Morf and his associates attempt to profit from these newfound masterpieces, the artworks unleash a mysterious and deadly curse upon anyone who seeks to exploit them.

Critical Reception

Velvet Buzzsaw received mixed reviews from critics, who often praised its satirical edge and Gyllenhaal's performance but found the horror elements and plot execution to be uneven. Audiences were similarly divided, with some appreciating the dark humor and social commentary, while others felt the film failed to fully deliver on its potential.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its sharp satire of the art world and its darkly comedic tone.
  • Criticized for its inconsistent pacing and underdeveloped horror sequences.
  • Jake Gyllenhaal's committed performance was frequently highlighted.

Google audience: Google users were split, with many enjoying the film's unique blend of horror and satire, particularly its commentary on consumerism and superficiality in the art scene. However, a significant portion found the movie to be overly absurd, with a plot that became too convoluted or silly to maintain engagement.

Fun Fact

The film's title, 'Velvet Buzzsaw,' is a direct reference to a fictional, critically lauded art piece created by the film's invented artist, Groff. It also serves as a metaphor for the art world's often brutal and unforgiving nature.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

2 reviews
Dr_Nostromo

Dr_Nostromo

78/100 A man's dying wish is that his artwork be destroyed but it's found by an asst to a major art dealer before that happens and it becomes a global sensation! Then people start dying. Exquisitely well-written and acted character study...
Gimly

Gimly

Was I disappointed? Taking in to consideration the fact that I'm being delivered _Velvet Buzzsaw_ by the same writer, director, and star as _Nightcrawler_, honestly, yes. But that is a very high bar to try and meet, falling short of it is n...