Kusama: Infinity

"Kusama: Infinity" is a fascinating guide to its subject and her work, but the emotional wall Kusama lives behind remains unbroken. She is a loner and a mystery.

The film offers insight and eye candy, despite the fact that it is far more traditional - in style and format - than its subject.

There's something oddly comforting about such a person serving as the subject for a documentary this respectful, and traditional.

Part talent, part hustle, part pathological insistence on her own way of dealing with the world, it's an optimistic narrative with plenty of colorful guest stars, and should have a slightly broader appeal than the usual art-world portrait.

"Kusama - Infinity," while conventionally structured, provides ample, illuminating access to an artist's way of thinking and working.

A genuinely felt portrait of the artist as a dedicated survivor, ever in service to her vision of the world and fighting for her place in it.

The art is richly inventive and the artist, though certainly a profoundly eccentric figure, comes across as both courageous and determined.

It's an impressive compilation of information, but it covers so much in a short amount of time that it ultimately feels a little superficial.

This is exactly what Kusama herself would wish: preserving her mystery isn't the worst way of doing her justice.

Heather Lenz's documentary, which runs through the subject's eventful life at a chronological clip, is respectful of Kusama, never imposing too closely on what was a difficult dedication to her obsessive artistic practice.

...a great introduction to a world famous artist who is likely still a stranger to some.

The film serves as an excellent cautionary tale for those who seek to curate culture, recognizing that no era should be solely represented by a bunch of white men.