The Dolls of Lisbon

This was a really really well done documentary on a really under-done subject. And why?? I don't the hell know! Art, artists and especially the passion of New York City artists in particular should render interest in any creative person. Artists continue to create despite societal circumstances. This movie shows this reality. It defines the Antagonist Movement, as an anti-establishment, underground, almost anarchist movement, reminding me of Andre the Giant sticker phenomenon of the late 80's in NYC. The more you see the repetition of the image...the better. This then leads to the symbolism of the Doll itself. Repetition breeds familiarity. So if the mass market can blast us, why can't the underground movement do it as well? Blast those Dolls! I think that Minsker and his posse just want to get their art out there. They want to be recognized. They want people to know that they continue to create in spite of it all. Lets not forget the plight of the artist! Thank you Minsker and the Antagonists for this important cause. The film itself was a work of art too. Collaged together, beautifully edited, and with a kick-ass soundtrack. Nicely done!

While the documentary genre is among my favorite for films, a lot of art docs out there have failed to impress. This one, however, goes beyond just an art showcase; it has depth and direction. I found myself interested in the people behind the work, not just in the work itself. The film doesn't "glamourize" the art world either, like most others do. It shows the highs and lows of what it actually takes to pull together an art show and work with other artists. It makes you want to learn more about the other projects this group is involved with. The stylistic elements used and the way the film is shot are part of the art as well. The film gives you a real sense of how art exhibits come together, what artists go through and how they view the art world as a whole.

This movie follows the mounting of an international art project spearheaded by the art group, The Antagonist Movement. It features interviews with artists of multiple national backgrounds who all have at least one thing in common - the overwhelming drive to make art, even at the cost of a more traditional and predictable life.

The project itself is fascinating - The Antagonist Movement sent blank canvas dolls to artists all over the world with the instructions to change them however they wanted to. The results are wildly different, and show a wide variety of artistic visions. It's a must see for all artists and art lovers, and it also features an awesome soundtrack.

Never heard of The Antagonist Art Movement until I became aware of Ethan H Minsker and read his book "Barstool Prophets." (a gem, by the way, which caused me to invest in his first book "Rich Boy Cries For Mamma.") A posse of passionate renegades antagonizing others into making art. Turns out the dude makes a lot of films too, about art and music and all the things I cant get enough of. "The Dolls of Lisbon" follows some party-loving artists to various parts of the globe especially Lisbon where they interact with local artists who have decorated, created, painted canvas & wire dolls that Ethan sewed together in his NYC home. The trip culminates in a wildly successful art festival. These dolls on the prowl are incredible, you will want to make one, too! The film is about art, who is making it, the movement, the creative process, the organizing & promoting of a festival and it is all juxtaposed into one fast, fun gumbo, visually delightful and sonically pleasing and uber cool. Get on it!

An impressive massive undertaking that spanned multiple countries. This group shed literal blood to show the world what it means to be an artist. Too many people care about the end result of the artistic process. With this movie The Antagonists show the viewer the complete opposite, the arduous journey.

This film is not about a flashy commercial artist's life like Andy Warhol. Instead it follow the not as glorious group of people that have to work and fight for all they have, which most of the time does not wield financial rewards but supplies something that money can't. I am truly envious of this groups trip.