Unfortunately this is a film where the trailer looks more promising than the actual finished product. Set in modern day London against the backdrop of the international art scene, Boogie Woogie is an ensemble comedy about the backstabbing, seemingly glamorous, over-the-top art world which stars such well-loved actors as Alan Cumming, Gillian Anderson, Heather Graham and new “it” girl Amanda Seyfried, where friends are enemies and your enemies are everywhere.
Boogie Woogie refers to the title of a rare Mondrian painting that has been in the possession of collector Alfred Rhinegold (Christopher Lee) and his wife. They’re finances are declining so Rhinegold’s wife decides to put the painting up for sale, much to Rhiegold’s chagrin.
Among those interested in the painting are aptly named cutthroat gallery owner Art Spindle (Danny Huston) and collector Bob Maclestone (Stellan Skarsgard). Maclestone is married to Jean (Gillian Anderson) whom he routinely cheats on with assistant curator Beth Freemantle (Heather Graham). Beth works for Spindle but is able to get away with hopes of starting her own gallery, thanks to Bob’s assistance. Jean herself is having an affair with sneaky “tortured” artist Joe (Jack Huston), who is also sleeping with Beth and has his eye on young newcomer Paige Prideaux (Amanda Seyfried). Paige ends up working for Bob who, unsurprisingly, is quite drawn to her as well.
Then there’s hopeful creative Dewey (Alan Cumming), who pitches his ideas to Spindle and others only to have his portfolios thrown in the trash. Dewey is managing his friend Elaine (Jaime Winstone), a queer art student on the verge of getting her big break.
At first glance (i.e, when you watch the trailer) this seems like a kinetic romp through a sex-crazed, backstabbing art scene where everyone is having a secret affair, with promising actors to boot. However, the pieces never quite congeal well enough to wield a solid product. In short, there’s just too much going on here without much character development.
We aren’t made to care much about these characters, or even get a strong enough sense of them in order to be markedly affected by their antics. These characters feel more like caricatures of art world snobs, and as such, are less interesting to the viewer. If more time had been spent developing their individual characteristics and relationships, for example the relationship between married couple Bob and Jean, it would have made for a more successful film. The only thing Bob and Jean have in common anymore is a love for collecting art. They’ve been married for over twenty years, but what brought them together? What is it about living in this world that has made them so jaded?
The most successful characters in this film are Elaine and Dewey, arguably as a result of Elaine’s on going film project (which is to secretly film everyone in both mundane and highly emotional moments). Through her filming, we are able to see Dewey as a frustrated artist who feels jilted and replaced when Elaine gets her big break. Beth decides she wants to work with Elaine solely, and Elaine is forced to fire Dewey as her manager.
As a result of this mechanism Elaine is able to capture the single affectingly dramatic moment of the film, a twist which is not revealed until the very end.
DVD Bonus Features
A theatrical trailer and a shorter version of the same trailer called a “TV spot” which aired on the IFC channel. Not much to speak of in this category.
"Boogie Woogie" is on sale September 14, 2010 and is rated R. Comedy. Directed by Duncan Ward. Written by Danny Moynihan . Starring Alan Cumming , Amanda Seyfried, Danny Huston, Gillian Anderson, Heather Graham, Jack Huston, Jaime Winstone, Stellan Skarsgard.
