A Light in the Dark: The Art & Life of Frank Mason

Documentaries are usually thought provoking and informative, but this one is also uplifting. If you didn't have the pleasure of being touched by the genius of Frank Mason in mortal life, his spirit lives on in the frames of this beautiful and touching documentary that shares his joy of life and his masterful accomplishments in the art world. Beautiful photography and a balanced view of the elements of his personality keep the film moving. There's not a wasted frame. If you do have a interest in art, this film is a must, from casual observer to ardent student. When you leave, you'll feel like you knew this very special man, and I warn you that you'll see things with a painter's eye, whether you can capture that with a brush or not.

This film is an outstanding documentary about Frank Mason and his painting style and defense against cleaning of old masterworks. I support his fight 100%. Let the paintings breathe on their own. Some are meant to age over time, and not be disgraced with cartoon-like embellishment under the guise "cleaning" them up. This film should be included in art history classes across the world! It's a pity Frank Mason is one of the only masterful artists left to defend the masters and their artwork. I think this film enlightens us to the fact of the (literal) atrocities that museums and galleries alike are doing to these wonderful works of art unbeknownst to the public, unbeknownst to the appreciative art lovers of our time, and the time to come. We cannot stop time! What will happen in 2 hundred years from now? Are we again going to be subjected to further "cleaning" of the masterworks until they are unrecognizable tragedies of themselves? This is an important film in my opinion.

I watched this movie at a private screening in San Francisco, and have been recommending it to people ever since.

I am always fascinated by how one visionary human being can change how the rest of us perceive the world, forcing us to look at what is around us in a different and enhanced way, with a deeper understanding. Frank Mason inspired people throughout his life, and the success of this film is that it serves beautifully as a vehicle for his life work to continue on after his death. I can hardly recommend a better way to spend 90 minutes of ones life than to experience the transformative power of this film that captures the life and work this exceptional man.

The film itself is well-crafted, well-paced, absorbing and gorgeous to watch. It captures Frank Mason the private citizen as well as Frank Mason the artist and visionary. And I don't think that anyone who watches this film will ever look at art restoration the same way ever again. Highly recommended.

I saw this film at a private showing in San Francisco, a great city know for strong interest in the arts. Not familiar with the subject, a classically- trained New York artist, Frank Mason, I was a little concerned with how interesting or relevant the film would be to me. I need not have worried!

This educational film was incredibly moving. It showcases one artist's struggle to keep old school skills alive in an increasingly commodified art world. The vision that Frank Mason possessed and the strength it took for him to stand up against some of the biggest names in (Capital A) Art, combined with his charming Grandpa-like orneriness, make this a fascinating piece. I heartily recommend it to anyone interested in the New York art scene in the 50's, restoration complications, artistic techniques and inspirations, or just want to see some beautiful images of cities like Venice or New York.

This film tells the story of a true Renaissance man of the 20th century, a visionary who forged his own path despite the dominance of the contemporary art world in New York City. While teaching at the Art Students League on 57th Street, he influenced generations of artists, historians, museum professionals, and critics. A Light in the Dark captures his journey-one of immense talent, courage, and determination. This documentary offers an inspiring portrait through rare footage, insightful interviews with art professionals and former students that will resonate with both artists and non-artists alike.