Thomas Hart Benton (TV Movie 1989)

Thomas Hart Benton (TV Movie 1989). 1h 25m | TV-PG

“This is a well-made film by Ken Burns. However, it never really had a lot of impact on me. Perhaps it is the documentary, perhaps itu0026#39;s my reaction to the art of Thomas Hart Benton. Either way, the film left me feeling rather lukewarm–though I could see it was a quality film.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eThis is the life of Thomas Hart Benton–an American artist who is relatively unknown today outside of art circles. His style was wholly unique–rather modern yet sentimental and very much a celebration of America–both the good and bad. You just have to see his art to believe and appreciate it.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eWhen it comes to talking about Benton the person, he sounded like a real character–and a bit of a jerk. Considering he was coming from a time when artists went to France, behaved like bohemians and were very temperamental, he fit in very well. And, add to that a bit of John Ford or a crusty old coot and you get Benton. It was sad, but apparently he came alive with friends but as a family man he left a lot to be desired. Seeing his daughter talking about how coldly he behaved towards his children was pretty sad. All in all, an interesting and complex man.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eWorth seeing, yes. But, not as wonderful and rich as Ken Burnsu0026#39; later documentaries.”