Robert De Niro Jr. hosts a documentary about his artist father, who died in 1993. It is essentially a love letter detailing his father's life and work. During the 1940s-50s, Robert De Niro Sr. was somewhat famous on his own, as a new American painter. Clearly, De Niro Sr.'s work was influenced by artists such as Van Gogh, but without attempting to imitating them. However, his figurative abstract expressionism became overshadowed by even newer abstract art such as by the celebrated Jackson Pollack and later, Andy Warhol.
Nonetheless, De Niro Sr. continued to paint for the rest of his life. The documentary features certain journal entries during those years, providing insight into his artistic and personal struggles. His son, De Niro Jr. discusses these struggles, as several of his father's personal friends describe their take on his life and work.
Given that the actor, Robert De Niro has always been known as rather reclusive, rarely giving interviews or providing insight into his life - this documentary serves as a peak into his upbringing and relationship with one of his most cherished family members - his father. Also revealed is that De Niro Sr. separated from his wife, artist Virginia Admiral when De Niro Jr. was quite young. However, father and son remained close through the years. De Niro Sr. was also homosexual, but because of the times, never came out.
Another issue that is clear in this documentary is what is true for every artist - regardless of the branch: talent is never enough. In fact, what usually separates those who flourish on a notable level and those who do not is success at promotion.
De Niro Jr. maintained his father's studio and continued to promote his father's work to not only preserve his memory for the art world, but for his family. De Niro's aim in doing this documentary was to give his father his due - something he feels he could have done more about in prior years. Because of this documentary, perhaps the newer generation may become more aware of De Niro's father so that when the name Robert De Niro is heard, they may wonder if it refers to father or son.
Nonetheless, De Niro Sr. continued to paint for the rest of his life. The documentary features certain journal entries during those years, providing insight into his artistic and personal struggles. His son, De Niro Jr. discusses these struggles, as several of his father's personal friends describe their take on his life and work.
Given that the actor, Robert De Niro has always been known as rather reclusive, rarely giving interviews or providing insight into his life - this documentary serves as a peak into his upbringing and relationship with one of his most cherished family members - his father. Also revealed is that De Niro Sr. separated from his wife, artist Virginia Admiral when De Niro Jr. was quite young. However, father and son remained close through the years. De Niro Sr. was also homosexual, but because of the times, never came out.
Another issue that is clear in this documentary is what is true for every artist - regardless of the branch: talent is never enough. In fact, what usually separates those who flourish on a notable level and those who do not is success at promotion.
De Niro Jr. maintained his father's studio and continued to promote his father's work to not only preserve his memory for the art world, but for his family. De Niro's aim in doing this documentary was to give his father his due - something he feels he could have done more about in prior years. Because of this documentary, perhaps the newer generation may become more aware of De Niro's father so that when the name Robert De Niro is heard, they may wonder if it refers to father or son.