The Gates

1 Review

In his sixth film about artists Christo and Jeanne-Claude, Albert Maysles delivers another delightful, carefully observed documentary about two artists who dare people to view the world in new ways. Maysles chronicles the duo's 23-year quest to install orange “gates” in New York’s Central Park and the range of entertaining responses the film receives from the public.

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Release Date:	May 26, 2007
Running Time:	98 minutes
Country:	United States
Language:	English

synopsis

In 1979, artists Christo and Jeanne-Claude proposed one of the largest artworks in history: a "golden river," or 7,503 fabric-paneled gates in Central Park. While Christo and Jeanne-Claude's artistic vision sought to unite all of New York City, the public reacted with accusations of 'defacement of a masterpiece,' akin to putting a mustache on the Mona Lisa. Twenty-four years later, and after the election of Michael R. Bloomberg as mayor, the project was completed in February 2005. THE GATES chronicles the evolution of the project from concept to realization, ultimately overcoming public disapproval and transforming Central Park into a visual symphony of color and light.