A documentary that goes inside one of the great museums of the world: The National Gallery in London.
The film is made with Wiseman's customary perceptiveness and unfussy grace, but in its final moments it achieves a sense of transcendence that lifts it into the top tier of this great documentarian’s work.
Via conservation, sketch courses, workshops and, yes, those big well-marketed exhibitions, we understand what art brings us – and that museums are still important.
Frederick Wiseman’s behind-the-scenes look at Britain’s most famous art museum runs at three hours, but the perambulation makes for a rich guided tour, steered by the institute’s experts.
A mesmerising look at the great gallery at work.
An intriguing and valuable record.
The overall impression he gives is of a museum that is thriving in spite of continuing questions over its funding and identity.
Three hours is hardly a long time to spend in the presence of great art.
General release. Check local listings for show times.