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There is not a great deal I feel I can say about this film, except that it is one of the strangest and most surreal film I have ever seen.

It was a film which made me constantly want to reach for the 'Off Button' on my remote but at the same time I felt compelled to continue watching it.

In the end I did see the whole film and was glad that I did.

I cannot 'hand on heart' recommend Fur..... as I feel it is one of those films that we simply love or hate. However in my case I simply can't decide and I feel I shall have to watch it again in order to decide which way I feel.

If you like surreal and/or the actors, give the film a viewing, thats the only way to decide how you personally feel.

Plutus

I actually admired the extreme lengths to which the film's creator went in exercising his freedom of artistic licensing in this totally fantastical and imaginative version- fictionalising the source of inspiration behind Ms Arbus's consequent journey into developing her art; to many it may suggest indulging ones-self to the extreme at the risk of inflaming the passions of her loyal fans, I can empathise with those hardcore admirers who were eagerly anticipating an homage to her life and work as the film must have been a source of immense disappointment, bearing very little resemblance to the physical or biographical realities of Ms Arbus and her life...though the title clearly alludes to the fact that this was never the intention. I really enjoyed the film, Nicole Kidman never fails to deliver and visually it was an absolute feast of colour, subtle surrealism, atmosphere and even humour albeit poignant and dark at times.

I particularly liked the harmonious balance in tempo, and rhythm as the story unravels, the subtle and sensitive balance between humour and tragedy, the exploration of the complexity of intimate relationships, the need to find ones own path or destiny however painful and incongruent that journey may be- with social expectation, preconceived values or personal responsibility.

The biographical inaccuracies seem insignificant within the greater framework and although I was hitherto unfamiliar with the specifics of Ms Arbus's life, I still felt that valid insight was gained into the perplexing struggles endured by this artist searching to become true to herself amidst the parental social/emotional pressures and expectations. I was able to recognise an unconfident and yet courageous and strong, empathetic, sensitive woman, uniquely lacking in prejudice given the era and social background from which she came. For the open-minded viewer who appreciates the complexities of life, it is a thought provoking and challenging story which does not stray unforgivably far from a kind of truth.

'Fur: An Imaginary Portrait of Diane Arbus' is itself like a beautiful painting. Starting from the photographic visuals, the artistic execution, the use of symbolism and metaphors, the superb camera-work, the incredible performances and stunning art direction, this is one film that is a poetic treat for the viewer. The background score gives voice to the unsaid feelings. Not only is it dazzling to look at, it's thought provoking and a fulfilling cinematic experience.

I loved the use of symbolism and metaphors. Some examples include: The association between the scene where Diane disrobing in the final sequence and the earlier scenes where she dresses up to her neck as part of social etiquette. Then there's the strong contrast between a furry Lionel and the high-classed women who were obsessed with fur and another interesting contrast between Lionel's dark fur and Diane's smooth translucent skin. There are numerous such intriguing symbolism that beautifully stand out. The references to classics like 'Alice in Wonderland' and 'Beauty and the Best' and influences of Hitchcock and Kubrick are obvious and brilliantly used. The visuals too represent a strong ideas. They are not just there for mere beauty. The colour blue plays a key role on multiple levels.

Shainberg's direction is awesome but what I liked most was the way Diane felt more 'at home' with the people who were termed 'freaks' rather than her own family or her husband's social circle. Nicole Kidman is magnificent. Robert Downey Jr. too gives an equally subtle and heartbreaking performance. The two share a very passion-filled chemistry which only stresses on the fascination and attraction that draws Diane and Lionel towards each other. Their quiet love story speaks volumes about their internal desires and strong feelings for one another. I've mostly seen Ty Burrell in comedies like 'Out of Practice' and 'Back To You' but here he shows that he can pull off serious roles as well.

Not only is 'Fur: An Imaginary Portrait of Diane Arbus' a plot driven film, it can be watched as a character piece, a mood piece, a love story and a period piece. A film that can be appreciated on so many levels, I fail to understand why it gained so little recognition.

Defying biopic clichés and overlapping reality and fantasy - so that the viewer eventually hardly understands what's real and what's not - "Fur" is definitely a provocative movie, not only another version of "The Beauty and the Beast". The odd subject is handled with impeccable effects and a stunning acting, the obvious question is asked by a HUGE metaphor - what's better between a man covered with fur and snobbish people wearing fur? Truly intriguing the film has some stasis moments that prevent it from being excellent, nevertheless it's about an interesting story, certainly worth viewing. Plus it gives a singular and also metaphorical finale showing Kidman removing her clothing along with her "social vestment".

In 1958, in New York City, the upper class Diane Arbus (Nicole Kidman) is a frustrated and lonely woman with a conventional marriage with two daughters. Her husband is a photographer sponsored by the wealthy parents of Diane, and she works as his assistant. When Lionel Sweeney (Robert Downey Jr.), a mysterious man with hypertrichosis (a.k.a. werewolf syndrome, a disease that causes excessive body hair), comes to live in the apartment in the upper floor, Diane feels a great attraction for him and is introduced to the world of freaks and marginalized people, falling in love for Lionel.

"Fur: An Imaginary Portrait of Diane Arbus" is a weird movie, actually a bizarre romance with characters that recall "The Beauty and the Beast". Nicole Kidman is impressively beautiful and gives an awesome performance together with Robert Downey Jr. The director Steven Shainberg from "Secretary" presents another unconventional love story – probably his favorite theme. While I loved "Secretary", a love story between a masochist and a sadistic, I did not like the idea of a "pseudo-biography" of a real woman disclosed in "Fur". I have never heard anything about the photographer Diane Arbus, but I believe that if she was my ancestral, I would not like to see in the movie theaters or on DVD an "imaginary portrait" of her. If this romance is not true or biographical, in my opinion the screenplay should have considered a fictional character. My vote is six.

Title (Brazil): "A Pele" ("The Fur")