The Line King - The Al Hirschfeld Story

Rating:
Summary: Everything you ever wanted to know about Mr. Hirschfeld.
Review: As fit as he is talented, Al Hirschfeld has lent his drawing skills to the faces of hundreds of theatrical actors for decades. This very enjoyable documentary captures the life and line of an American treasure. Even the most jaded artists and art lovers cannot deny the importance of Hirschfeld to 20th century American art. This piece proves that. END

Rating:
Summary: An engaging look at the popular celebrity caricaturist
Review: If you have been enjoying Al Hirschfeld's caricature drawings of Broadway and Hollywood stars in "The New York Times" and elsewhere the last 70 years, then you will want to check out this 126-minute documentary just because you get to see his daughter Nina (for those of you totally out of the loop on this one, Hirschfeld always puts "NINA" into his drawing someplace, making her the original Waldo in a way, I guess). Susan W. Dryfoos put together this completely engaging look at one of the nation's most beloved illustrators. Do not look for any controversy in this story, because it is as much a history of New York theater for most of the last century. "The Al Hirschfeld Story" is told not only through interviews, but also through home movies and interviews with some of the celebrities who have been captured by Hirshfeld's pen. Still, the most enjoyable part of this documentary is getting to meet the quirky and compassionate man behind the legion of famous drawings. "The Line King" was first telecast on PBS in 1999.

Rating:
Summary: Interesting and Beautiful
Review: It's not often I write "thank God someone made this" in my notes while reviewing a film. But Susan Dryfoos' "The Line King - The Al Hirschfeld Story" deserves such praise and more.

A lovely biography of entertainment caricaturist Hirschfeld, this film is a fascinating look behind the pen of a man who transcended his genre to become almost an art form unto himself.

Dryfoos thankfully showcases hundreds of drawings throughout the film as entertainers, artists and others discuss a man who described his goal as not to make a subject beautiful, but interesting.

Hirschfeld, of course, being the most interesting character of all. The camouflaged "Nina"s, the barber chair in which he created decades of work, the almost Santa Claus-ish look of the artist - all add up to a man that, if he were imagined by a Hollywood writer, would be deemed wholly unbelievable by cartoonists such as myself.

Myself being a stay-at-home-dad, I was fascinated to learn that he was raised by his father while his mother supported the family. I also connected with his respect for his wife's editorial abilities. My wife is often consulted (OK, harangued) about my latest cartoons and her advice is always spot on, even when I don't like to admit it.

There are a few goofy moments, Hirschfeld's surreal bongo solo and his attempts as using a computer and graphics tablet, but overall the film is a wonder from beginning to end. A fitting tribute to an artist whose work was both interesting and beautiful.