Frazetta: Painting with Fire

Came upon this by accident on IFC and could not turn away from it. Practically everyone is familiar with Frazetta's work even if they don't realize it. Google him and you will see what I mean. The movie tells his story through numerous interviews with family, friends and co-workers. Very interesting as you see just how many people love his work and were influenced by it, especially in Hollywood. It also does a nice job of placing his work in historical context. I like Frazetta's work though I'm not a huge fan. The way this movie just captured me despite me not being a fanatic speaks a lot as to just how good this movie is. It's a true documentary that shows how you can entertain while staying true to form unlike some of the garbage that seems to win awards these days. Please watch this if you get a chance!

Even if you don't know the man or what he was responsible for, the documentary is very accesible. It actually is easy to watch and be entertained by. As some others have stated, yes Frazetta is the Godfather of Conan amongst other things. And he is being held in high regard by many other creative minds. One of the funniest things was him reflecting on celebrities being intimated or shy meeting him - you got to love a man who's such a creative mind yet so humble.

That is just one episode and he's not the only one speaking about himself or about his career and the way he rose or rather made his way. Others talk about him and the documentary is very well put together. The timelines works and the edit of the footage they shot (apparently mostly at comic cons) is very well made too

Right up front, I'm a Frazetta fanatic and have been since childhood. I am among those who bought a few too many mediocre Conan paperbacks from Waldenbooks in the early 80s because I had to own the Frazetta covers. Since there is no other documentary on his life and work to choose from, I am extremely grateful for the existence of this film and for the efforts of those who made it.

The film features a lot of well-known fantasy and comic books artists, and various other industry insiders who have a great appreciation for Frazetta's work. They do a good job of explaining what makes his artwork remarkable and inspiring to a certain subculture of geeks and fans (and famous filmmakers), and why the quality of his work transcends the genre in which he attained fame and success.

There's also an undercurrent of defensiveness about the lack of critical acclaim directed toward Frazetta from anyone outside of the sci-fi/fantasy industry, but it is never really addressed. I think the film would have benefited greatly from some critical voices, and that may have provided a more substantive context in which to consider his work. Instead the film is a bit of a fanboy product, and as much as I agree, Frazetta's career deserves more serious consideration than that.

Overlong but generally informative feature-length documentary on celebrated artist Frank Frazetta (whose work in comic strips influenced generations of designers), which is perhaps slightly too reverential towards its subject. His distinctive three-dimensional style (with which I was familiar, if not the artist's name) is discussed at length - as is Frazetta's personal life, including his recent health problems - and, of course, even features interjections from noted film-makers such as John Milius (who directed the Frazetta-influenced CONAN THE BARBARIAN [1982]) and Ralph Bakshi (with whom Frazetta collaborated on FIRE AND ICE [1983]). Still, one would have liked some narration to smooth over, i.e. put into context, the many anecdotes and opinions - rather than have 90 uninterrupted minutes of just 'talking heads'!

This is a documentary about Frank Frazetta, the great artist behind the famous Conan book covers and other such fantasy imagery. I'm sure most everyone has seen some of his work whether they've realized it or not, or at least saw some pieces that were influenced by him, of which there are many. His paintings are detailed, striking, and most importantly, alive. The film covers nearly all aspects of Frazetta's life, from his childhood where his talents were already becoming realized, to his family life, to his health problems in later years that forced him to learn to draw with his left hand. It's all pretty interesting, especially if you like his kind of artwork. Catch this documentary showing on either IFC or better yet, get the DVD, which was included with the release of Fire and Ice. The commentary (by director Laspina and producer DiFiore) gives additional insight on Frazetta and his craft. By the way, make sure to watch past the credits for a final bit of humor.