Director: Lisa Cholodenko
Starring: Ally Sheedy, Patricia Clarkson, Radha Mitchell, Tammy Grimes, Gabriel Mann
Genre: Drama, Romance
Release Date: October 16, 1998
Running Time: 101 minutes
Country: United States
Language: English
Lisa Cholodenko’s High Art (1998) is a poignant exploration of identity, desire, and the complex relationship between art and the people who create it. With stunning performances by Ally Sheedy, Patricia Clarkson, and Radha Mitchell, the film takes audiences into a world where the boundaries of artistic integrity and personal connection are blurred. Through its portrayal of the intertwining lives of two women from different worlds—one a reclusive former photographer, the other an ambitious young editor—High Art becomes more than just a story about art; it is a narrative about rediscovery, love, and the human need for connection.
This article will examine the key elements of the film, its themes, characters, and why it stands as an important piece in the 1990s indie cinema movement. We’ll also take a look at the impact High Art had on the careers of its talented cast and director, as well as the film’s place in cinematic history.
Plot Overview
High Art centers around Lucy Berliner (Ally Sheedy), a once-prominent photographer whose career has been all but extinguished due to her retreat from the art world and her self-destructive lifestyle. Lucy has spent years numbing herself with drugs and living in isolation in an apartment that echoes the emptiness she feels. However, her world shifts when she meets Syd (Radha Mitchell), a bright, ambitious young assistant editor for a prestigious photography magazine.
Syd, drawn to Lucy’s enigmatic presence and her work, offers her an opportunity to reconnect with the art world. As their professional relationship deepens, so does their personal connection, and soon, Lucy finds herself both emotionally and artistically awakened by Syd’s enthusiasm and unyielding belief in her talent. What begins as a mentor-mentee relationship evolves into a complex romantic bond that challenges both women to confront their own desires, dreams, and fears.
Lucy’s vulnerability and emotional scars are contrasted with Syd’s youthful optimism and ambition. Their relationship creates an emotional tension that drives the narrative forward, challenging not only their professional boundaries but also their sense of self. As the film explores the fragile nature of relationships, High Art shines a light on the delicate balance between creation, obsession, and personal identity.
Themes of High Art
- Art and Identity
At the heart of High Art is the relationship between personal identity and the work we create. Lucy’s retreat from the art world is symbolic of her own lost sense of self. She has abandoned both her career and her creativity as a means of coping with her self-destructive tendencies. However, through her interactions with Syd, Lucy is reintroduced to the world of art. Syd’s reverence for Lucy’s work acts as a catalyst for Lucy’s emotional and artistic rebirth, forcing her to confront the person she used to be and what she could become again. The film speaks to the idea that art is not just an expression of creativity but a reflection of one’s soul—something that is deeply intertwined with who we are and how we see the world. Through Lucy, we see that the inability to create is a sign of inner turmoil, and the process of artistic revival can be a form of personal redemption. - Desire and Love
As the relationship between Lucy and Syd evolves, High Art delves deeply into the complexities of desire and love. Both women find themselves drawn to each other in ways that complicate their professional and personal lives. The film does not shy away from the messiness of love and the sacrifices and risks involved when two people open themselves up emotionally. The intensity of their connection forces both women to examine their desires, their vulnerabilities, and what they are willing to sacrifice for the sake of love. Desire in High Art is not just physical; it is emotional, intellectual, and creative. Syd’s admiration for Lucy’s photography leads to a bond that goes far beyond professional admiration. Their love is raw, complicated, and deeply intimate, revealing the complex layers of attraction and connection that can exist between two women in an often judgmental world. - Escaping the Past
For Lucy, one of the key struggles in High Art is the attempt to escape the shadow of her past. A past marked by addiction, heartbreak, and artistic decline, Lucy’s journey is one of redemption. However, as the film progresses, it becomes clear that Lucy cannot escape who she has been; instead, she must confront her demons and learn to live with them. The film beautifully captures this internal struggle and the reality that healing is not a linear process—it is messy, painful, and often uncertain. Syd, too, is trying to escape her own limitations. As a young woman trying to prove herself in a competitive, male-dominated industry, she seeks out validation and affirmation through her connection with Lucy. However, in their evolving relationship, Syd learns that authenticity is more important than the external approval she initially craved.
Characters and Performances
The performances in High Art are some of the most powerful and nuanced of the 1990s indie film scene. The strength of the cast is central to the film’s emotional impact, as they bring to life the delicate balance of hope, despair, and desire.
- Ally Sheedy as Lucy Berliner: Sheedy delivers an outstanding performance as Lucy, embodying a character who is both fragile and fierce. Lucy’s internal battle between artistic revival and self-destruction is portrayed with incredible depth. Sheedy’s portrayal of a woman who is slowly being reawakened to both love and art is hauntingly vulnerable. Lucy’s complexity is what makes her so compelling: she is a person whose creative spark has long been dimmed, yet still yearns for rediscovery.
- Radha Mitchell as Syd: Mitchell portrays Syd with a delicate mix of youthfulness and ambition. As the bright-eyed assistant editor who sees Lucy’s potential, Syd is a character of contrasts. Her attraction to Lucy is both professional and personal, and Mitchell expertly navigates the complexities of this budding relationship. Syd is portrayed as someone who is willing to risk everything for the sake of her connection with Lucy, making her journey toward self-realization as important as Lucy’s.
- Patricia Clarkson as Greta: Greta, a former lover of Lucy, offers both contrast and insight into Lucy’s past. Patricia Clarkson brings an emotional depth to the role, providing a layer of tension and unresolved history. The dynamic between Greta and Lucy helps to illustrate the emotional stakes of the film and the idea that past relationships can linger and shape future ones.
- Tammy Grimes as Lucy’s Mother: Tammy Grimes provides a quiet yet powerful presence as Lucy’s mother. Her relationship with her daughter adds another layer to the exploration of family dynamics and generational expectations. Grimes’ performance adds a sense of gravitas to the film, underscoring the idea that our past relationships, including familial ones, influence our ability to love and create.
Critical Reception and Legacy
High Art was well-received by critics, who praised the film’s performances, its exploration of complex relationships, and its mature approach to sexuality. Lisa Cholodenko’s direction was particularly lauded for its sensitive handling of the relationship between the two women and its ability to navigate the delicate nuances of desire and emotional vulnerability.
The film remains a significant work in the landscape of 1990s independent cinema, a period marked by films that explored marginalized voices and relationships with honesty and depth. High Art was ahead of its time in its portrayal of lesbian relationships, offering a nuanced and non-stereotypical depiction of queer love and self-discovery. The film’s cultural impact also extends to its place in the broader conversation about women in film, with Cholodenko’s work contributing to the growing recognition of female filmmakers in Hollywood.
Conclusion
High Art is a deeply moving and thought-provoking film that explores the intersection of art, love, and self-discovery. Through powerful performances, a sensitive script, and nuanced direction by Lisa Cholodenko, the film presents a rich and emotional portrait of two women navigating the complexities of their desires and their identities. It remains a standout example of 1990s independent cinema and continues to resonate with audiences for its honest and unflinching portrayal of human connection.
Whether you’re an art lover, a fan of powerful romantic dramas, or someone interested in exploring the complexities of self-realization, High Art offers a compelling and unforgettable cinematic experience.