If you're one of those very lucky people who has HBO, you should strongly consider turning on your TV tonight at 10pm and watching the TV premiere of The Gates. It follows artists Christo and Jeanne-Claude in their 26-year campaign to convince the City of New York to allow them to create a massive installation in Central Park, from their first request in 1979 to the realization of The Gates in 2005. I saw the documentary back in October at the Coolidge Corner Theatre, and I can't fathom why it wasn't nominated for a Best Documentary Oscar.
The first half of the film documents the artists' extremely long and frustrating quest to gain approval for this project, which arguably became the most successful piece of installation art in modern times. It's truly unbelievable how many art-hating, curmudgeon-y New Yorkers tried to stand in their way for no good reason, and generated a controversy out of nothing. The second half is pure aesthetic joy. I imagine it approximates the feeling of visiting The Gates in person. Don't let yourself be bored just because there's no dialog. The simple beauty of the sunlight filtering though the saffron-colored nylon, or the wind whipping through the fabric's pleats, will be more than enough for Christo and Jeanne-Claude to win you over. I recommend that you watch it in your pajamas with a glass of wine or a mug of hot chocolate, and you'll go to bed relaxed and with a smile on your face.
Here's a little preview:
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