This is a movie about the last will and testament of Alfred Barnes who sought to control the fate of one of the greatest art collections in the world, which he, personally, had amassed and governed. This is a movie that details the ruthless overpowering of Barnes's clearly spelled out intent by a conspiracy of corporate, non-profit and elected officials. It is a breathtaking documentary, and incredibly depressing for anyone who thinks that, in the end, justice will prevail. Those who want to move the Barnes collection from Merion, PA, where Barnes decreed it should remain will stop at nothing to get their way: they will, according to this film, tell lies, commit deliberate lies of omission, buy off their opponents, flagrantly ignore what is written in a legal document. Many reviewers have commented to the effect that this documentary lacks nuance because it doesn't make enough of a case for the other side. Sorry, but if a person's will counts for nothing, there is no other side. May every person who conspired to steal the Barnes collection have his or her will totally overturned after his or her death!
Review of The Art of the Steal
