User Reviews

Photographer Robert Mapplethorpe not only created stunning and provocative art, his free-spirited lifestyle was also part of his legend. This biopic basically begins when he and Patti Smith moved into the famed Chelsea hotel, where his imagination blossomed and he met people who would champion his talent. Matt Smith manages to bring the artist to life with wonderful dexterity, he ages effectively, embraces his sexually liberal style with gusto and beautifully captures the concentration of an artist deep in the creative process. The story is told in a straightforward manner with Smith dominating the screen time, but little genuine emotion develops among his friends and lovers. Still, it's an informative look into Mapplethorpe's life and career. For anyone who might not be familiar with his work, there are many examples included, including the most hardcore and S&M subjects.

The film’s pacing issues are slightly bothersome, especially the last decade of Mapplethorpe’s life being covered too quickly, but this is a common issue in many biopics. Unlike other biopics, the director and fellow writer Mikko Alanne don’t shy away from depicting the facts of Robert Mapplethrope’s very controversial life. He was a bigger-than-life character, and any film would struggle to capture this, but it’s clear that Timoner’s film is a tribute to this man. And, if you’re still not convinced, then Mapplethorpe is worth seeking out for Matt Smith’s performance alone