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OK, so i enjoyed this Columbo movie a bit more than the previous ones. Partly because of the lovely scenery, the awesome house by the ocean and a much better musical score than the previous movies from '89. The villain is a narcissistic needy jerk thru-out, a painter, perfect for a guy controlling three different women in his life. His ex-wife, his current wife and his mistress. The actress playing the ex-wife has the most impact and believability. The mistress is the weakest link. The whole thing still doesn't compare to vintage Columbo but it's better than some earlier offerings. Best moment: Columbo sits for the artist and is put in an uncomfortable position. Peter Falk's understated humor is just wonderful. He knows how to milk a scene in a subtle way.

One of the most narcissistic murderers that Peter Falk ever encountered on Columbo has to be artist Patrick Bauchau. This man lives in a household that numbers at one time, an ex-wife who couldn't do without him, a current wife, and a 'model'. And they're very reason for existence is provide for his needs whatever they might be.

As it turns out one of them the ex-wife Fionnula Flanagan is going and she and her therapist George Coe are now an item. But Bauchau has one deep dark secret that he does not to come out either in session or in pillow talk. For that reason he strangles Flanagan and fakes her drowning.

Even with Bauchau painting a portrait of Peter Falk, Columbo's instincts are aroused. The other two women, Sheri Danese and Isabel Garcia Lorca are also in there on revolt.

I have to say that the evidence Columbo has is mighty thin and Bauchau could get off in court. But if a jury finds him as arrogant and egotistical as I did, he doesn't stand a chance.

There's also a nice supporting bit by bar owner Vito Scotti who did a few Columbo stories. All in all a worthwhile bit of viewing.

The Columbo series is a true pleasure to savor… Peter Falk is perfect in his role as the seemingly befuddled on the surface detective with hidden brilliance. Hahaha… we know that is his sly fox ruse. This episode was a marvelous surprise for me! I have spent my life a successful artist in the fine art world and in my youth could relate, somewhat, to Mr. Barsini.; albeit without the murder. What made it extra fun for me personally was that Mr. Falk, as the artist, used to show his works in the same gallery with me in the French Quarter of New Orleans. The fact that the gallery dealer would sell an original, take fifty percent off the top and take twelve months to pay-out our share makes me wonder if Peter had a hand in writing this episode; with a plot where the artist's first murder was that of the unethical art dealer… lol. Anyway it was fun to see a bit of the world as I have known it… once again without the murderous aspect. Lookup Peter Falk's art if you haven't before… he was quite good. What a treasure he was… and still is.

As a longtime Columbo fan, I in general liked Murder, A Self Portrait, but I don't consider it one of the better episodes. Starting with the problems, I do agree about the ending, the character of Barsini was so strong a vast majority of the episode but the ending where he gives up all too easily I felt weakened his character. I had very mixed feelings on the dream sequences, they are stylishly shot and convincingly played but also convoluted and solved too simply. However Murder, A Self Portrait is beautifully shot with striking scenery and has an atmospheric music score. The dialogue is generally clever and thoughtful, Columbo and Barsini's scenes are fun to watch but I would've loved to have seen more of the other suspects. The story has a few patchy moments here and there and feels a little strtched towards the end, but it is briskly paced and interesting on the whole, and the acting while I have seen better with Columbo episodes is good. Peter Falk as he always is as Columbo is brilliant, and Patrick Bauchau is engaging as Barsini. The support cast don't have as much to do, but Fionnula Flannagan and particularly Shera Danese are good. All in all, an interesting and worthwhile episode, but not one of my favourites. 7/10 Bethany Cox

"Columbo: Murder, a Self Portrait" was one of the Columbo movies that aired during the early 90's as a part a Saturday night rotation on ABC with "B.L. Stryker" with Burt Reynolds and Telly Savalas's revival of "Kojak". Most of the two-hour installments of "Columbo" tended to drag, in spots, but "A Self Portrait" moves at a brisk pace, benefiting from effective and inspired performances from guests Patrick Bauchau, Fionnula Flannagan, Shera Denese, George Coe, and Isabel Lorca. Falk's friend Vito Scotti makes one of his frequent appearances on the show, this time playing a bartender.

Written by Robert Sherman and directed by James Frawley, the film also sports a great Patrick Williams' score.

And even Columbo's pet "Dog" makes a brief, yet memorable, appearance.

One of the major highlights are the different "interpretations" of the dreams of the principals. Fascinating lighting, setting, and camera-work make this a "Columbo" to remember.

An artist with a wife and two female lovers. First, he's straight or too heterosexual if you ask me. Of course, Shera Danese who plays his wife is the real-life wife of COlumbo himself, Peter Falk. I like Fionnula Flanagan who has a supporting role. Yes, it's the same formula for Columbo. I am always amused by his embarrassment and his ignorance even in this episode. He always seems out of place and fascinated by the situation. Artists have been prime suspects before. He always has a wealthy, prominent, and celebrity prime suspects but he is always at the top of his game and he always catches his man or woman. I just love having him back but this is one of my personal favorites to watch again and again.

By the time "Murder, a Self Portrait" was made, more than 20 years had passed since the first "Columbo" movie. This, combined with a relatively unexciting case make this a must-see for fans. Others might just wanna try one of the earlier installments.

When the episode begins, you see that the artist Max Barsini has a most unusual living arrangement. His marriage seems very open and strange. His ex-wife lives next door and is very actively involved with Max's second wife as well as his lover...and the four of them eat and spend their time together! At first, it appears as if they are one big happy, albeit strange, family. However, when the first wife wants to leave and start a new life, Max's narcissism and co-dependence kick in and he murders her....making it look like a simply drowning. However, Columbo is on the case....and there seems to be nothing like a simple death to him!

The guest actors in this one are okay....but not particularly memorable or exciting to watch. The same goes with the finale, which has little in the way of fireworks or excitement.

Patrick Bachau is wonderful as the tempermental artist who cannot accept the fact that his ex-wife has fallen in love with another man, a psychiatrist superbly played by George Coe. Falk's real-life wife, Shera Therese shines brilliantly as Bachau's current wife. And Vito Scotti and Isabella Garcia-Lorca are both superb in supporting roles. This is one of the 20 best Columbo movies ever made.

This is an episode of Columbo that I even have on dvd the entire 9th Series, bought for me as a pressie.

So I can see at any time that I like though as its on the box, reasonably frequently I don't actually bother.

This Episode is a tale almost of Roman proportions why, because of the central character Max Barsini's inate propensities.

Max Barsini the artiste extraordinaire, enjoys living the life as of Emperor Nero.

Barsini relishes Lording it over his domain residing in an extended household, of current wife Vanessa.

Replete with live in model and lover Julie, even including his ex wife Louise resident only next door.

Emperor Barsini resides over his harem and like an Arab sheikh, loves being waited on by them hand and foot.

But at the same time Barsini enjoyed wailing about "my lot in life" like a proverbialy spoilt brat.

Barsini's family entourage hide Max's deepest darkest secrets, but will or can he ever be truly happy and satisfied in his castle.

This was a Columbo movie with some amusing moments in it such as its opening but overall this entry isn't quite appealing enough in any sense. It maintains a slow dragging pace and just does not have the most interesting characters, story and settings. It's not a movie that is bad or that I hated watching but it could had been all better when you compare it to most other Columbo movie.

All Columbo movies of course feature a murderer in it that committed often a cold blooded and cleverly thought out murder. Despite their act you always sort of start to like and bond with him or her, just like Lt. Columbo always attempts to do. Often Columbo movies that are bad, are bad because of the fact that they don't feature a murderer in it that you'll find sympathetic and likable enough. This is also the case with this Columbo movie.

So yes although Patrick Bauchau can act he still feels miscast in this movie, since he doesn't play a real likable character. Or perhaps this is more due to the movie its writing, which also doesn't feature the most compelling story about an artist, who is married to two woman and has a girlfriend, all living at the same mansion. Most of the supporting actors, such as Isabel García Lorca and Shera Danese aren't among the greatest however. Shera Danese actually starred in 6 Columbo movies throughout her career. No big surprise, since she is married to Peter Falk.

Luckily the movie still knows how to amuses, which is the foremost reason why the movie is still such a fine watchable one. The movie again puts the Lt. Columbo in some awkward and amusing positions, which provide the movie with some nice relieving humor.

It's a stylish Columbo movie that also tries out some new tricks but this doesn't completely work out however. Later Columbo movies often tried out new things but they always went back to the series its usual and successful formula, the series became so well known for.

The story tries to be clever at parts but instead its rather stretching things. This movie just doesn't have the most likely story. Columbo movies of course never exactly been known for its realistic stories but this movie is just overdoing things at times. The left out evidence all could had been discovered earlier by Columbo, especially with the help of some of the forensic evidence. It gives the entire movie and investigation by Columbo all seem a bit pointless in the end.

Nothing too horrible but just not among the best Columbo movies out there.

6/10

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Soooo boring compared to older Columbo episodes. An uncharismatic, moderately attractive man who paints subpar paintings somehow has two wives and a mistress who all live with him and somehow is the most famous, most rich artist that even Columbo knows who he is. The vast majority of this episode is what I assume is the writer's wet dream of having three women constantly bicker over him. Fits the bill of daytime soaps. Barely any detective work occurs, everyone including Columbo take turns pleasuring the artist as if he's amazing. The episode was written so cheaply that there isn't even the usual group of police combing over everything as would be in real life. The police work done by Columbo is extremely convoluted. Terrible writing. I hate this episode.

Although I haven't seen every Columbo episode there is, I'm certain the pattern is the same: A wealthy and intelligent individual (who is sometimes a celebrity) plans and executes a perfect murder. Then, Columbo enters the scene and since there are no witnesses he has to rely heavily on circumstantial evidence. Columbo finally out-smarts his suspects and arrests the criminal. At this point I always think that in real life this individual will hire a high-paid lawyer who will rip Columbo's case to shreds, but that's material for another movie.

Max Barsini fits perfectly into that typical criminal profile: wealthy and intelligent. But there's one more thing to add: a super-inflated ego, strong enough to dominate three women. Nevertheless, by the second half of the movie his character and his ego starts deflating, and at the end he just simply surrenders without putting up a fight. And that's the disappointment that I had with this episode, and many other episodes, where the person who was smart enough to plan an almost perfect homicide, suddenly succumbs under Columbo's pressure. Of course, not all Columbo's movies end up this way, and therefore I consider them my favorites. Unfortunately this one is not one of them.

PLOT: A successful artist (Patrick Bauchau) enjoys life living luxuriously on the Malibu shore with no less than three women: his ex-wife (Fionnula Flanagan), his present wife (Shera Danese) and a young model (Isabel Lorca). The three women are all beautiful in their own way and age-bracket, a redhead, brunette and blonde respectively. The man obviously wants his cake and to eat it too! For hidden reasons, he murders one of them.

COMMENTARY: The only way a Columbo movie can work is if it convinces you of the reality of the locale, the people thereof and their unique situation; and this is why this segment works. Speaking of locale, the beachfront locations are spectacular. And Colombo's pet basset hound, "Dog," gets some quality screen time. There are also some awesome-looking dream sequences.

Columbo aficionados will remember Gretchen Corbett's stunning bikini sequence in "An Exercise in Fatality" (1974) and perhaps JoAnna Cameron's office scene in "Negative Reaction" (1974). This episode features a comparable sequence with bikini-clad Isabel Lorca (Julie) on the beach. For anyone interested, "Now You See Him" (1976) and "Columbo Cries Wolf" (1990) are the best episodes in this department.

FYI: Shera Danese was Peter Falk's lifelong wife, whom he married Dec. 7, 1977. She appeared in a total of six Columbo installments, including two in the initial series, one of which was a prominent role in "Murder Under Glass" (1978). She also has a prominent role in "A Trace of Murder" (1997) where she costars.

GRADE: B

Once again, an initial reaction to a seemingly insignificant clue leads to Columbo moving ahead. Once he latches on to the case of the missing contact lens, all bets are off. If you go to the end of a good mystery novel and you know who did it, you can go back and see all the pregnant moments and significant clues that could have been overlooked. But knowing who the murderer was ahead of time allows you to pick and choose the best ones. This is a fun case because the artist is incredibly arrogant. He has an ex-wife, the murder victim, a newer wife, and a vibrant young model, all hanging out. They are expected to cook for him, wash his clothes, and service him. They are not to question him at any point. They are almost as guilty as he because they have a good thing going. The problem is that the first wife has begun to look at the rest of her life and decides to get out. But it's not so easy, and she gets murdered for it. There is also a deep secret. Her psychologist has tapes that she made of her dreams. If there is one thing that stretches things a bit, it would be the detectives interpretation of these dreams. He might as well have been Freud or Jung because he goes way beyond the realm of a layman. The business with the portrait is very odd but it gives Columbo a chance to be near the murderer and to see his idiosyncracies and his methods in his art. Of course, I would imagine that every red blooded, self centered male, envied this guy.

That's an interesting episode for a few reasons:

• The killer and the women around him are colorful characters with.personal differences

• Peter Falk's wife Shera Danese is in the cast once again, making the experience a bit more interesting for us Columbo buffs

• The painter seems to be loosely inspired by Picasso, Gaugin and certain other famous artists who had had rough patches with the women in their lives

• Also on a visual level, the setting is colorful, bright and inviting, adding freshness to the classical taste

• As the story involves also a cold case, Columbo solves not one but two murders by use of a Lynch-esque setting, which, via black-and-white dives into psychotherapic sessions, also borrows from Hitchcock's Spellbound

• The youngest lover of the painter is really hot. I'm both sad and surprised she hasn't done much film work later

• We see a portrait of Columbo being.painted, which again, adds value to the episode for extra points of trivia.

However, the murder plot always matters. And I don't get how such a weak alibi could help anyone. Leave out the fact that what the killer pulls is visibly and technically possible with an exit route any detective can observe - How could he know he wouldn't be seen while committing the murder? How could he ensure someone else wouldn't catch him exit the bar from the rear window? And also, how could he rely solely on the bartender? What if he died of a heart attack shortly after he committed his crime? What was gonna be left?

If one is trying to fabricate a false alibi, that should be a smarter one involving more people.

Columbo is at a park with his dog Dog attending the Basset Hound Club. They even win a ribbon. Famous self-assured artist Max Barsini (Patrick Bauchau) is surrounded by women. There is his model Julie (Isabel García Lorca), his wife Vanessa (Shera Danese), and his ex-wife Louise (Fionnula Flanagan). He plans Louise's murder and an alibi. It's up to Columbo to dissect the dreams and solve the case.

I love Dog. I want more Dog. Dog is the star of this episode. I do like the case and the guy's weird harem. It has great suspicious energy. I love this episode until the dreams. I almost laughed at monocle. That is so dumb. Well, it's dream logic and that's usually dumb. I can use less dumb. I still like a lot of this, but dreams are dumb.

MURDER, A SELF PORTRAIT is another early example of the Columbo TV series made just after it had been revamped for a new era. Falk is a little more dishevelled here, a little more lined and crumpled, but he still has the old magic, which is why I guess that they kept making these for another fourteen years or so.

The first - and best - thing about this story is that Columbo's dog plays a big part. In fact, he even gets to go to a show in the opening sequence, which is a lot of fun, and a lot of laughs stem from the set-up. The episode needs them, because elsewhere it's a fairly typical example of Columbo. It's watchable enough but it lacks the kind of riveting elements to make a classic example of the series.

Like the previous story GRAND DECEPTIONS, this one lacks a decent guest villain. Patrick Bauchau isn't bad as the sinister French painter, but he lacks gravitas and the moments he shares with the gumshoe just aren't particularly electrifying. The female talent is better, with Fionnula Flanagan making an impression as the ex-wife and Shera Danese (Falk's real-life wife) propping things up once more. However, I didn't care for the dream sequences, which felt out of place when you look at the show overall, and the mystery and clues are rather limited.

I am a Columbo-fan, and this episode is really one of the best. Max Barsini (played by Patrick Bauchau (Dr. Sydney Green in the drama series "The Pretender" (1996-2000)) has a secret and his wife knows what it is. Max murders her, "pretending" it was an accident. Max also has an alibi: he was painting at Vito's. The case is clear, but then comes a police officer to solve the case: Lt. Columbo.

I was really enjoying this movie. A cast is excellent, many of my favourites (Peter Falk, Shera Danese, Patrick Bauchau to name a few) were here and did a wonderful job. Now I could see behind the scenes of painting artists...

For all Columbo-fan, this movie is a must see!

Best part about this piece are the paintings and Especially the culminating glorious music. Who are the singers? What bountiful music! I'll give it to Alexa. Peter Falk doesn't miss, as usual. Great costuming. Sorry. Hanging participles here. Seems like the reviewers really enjoy dwelling on the basset. The Story writers and editors could use refreshing courses. Though I've viewed this episode twice previously, I still find the story confusing and lackluster throughout. The mountains became proverbial molehills. Did the director become so exhausted with attention to art and canine that she,he lost her exhuberance for the almighty tale? Can I subside now?