Claudia Schmid - schmidfilm
Documentary - Sript & Direction / Street Photography
Reviews Richard Deacon - In Between
"The film's strength: Schmid observes; she does not interpret. Consequently, the viewer is spared any pretentious artistic jargon and is instead offered the opportunity—guided by the camera—to embark on a journey of discovery into the world of an artist. There is ample time to form one's own thoughts. Well worth seeing." — *Ruhrnachrichten*
"A profound portrait of an artist." — Hartmut Ernst, *Choices*
"This documentary offers precisely what is missing from most contemporary artist portraits: an artist who doesn't merely allow a superficial glimpse over his shoulder, but is also willing to speak about it. Completely devoid of vanity, Deacon opens up, speaking vividly about his work, his philosophy, his understanding of the nature of art, and his own identity as an artist. Magnificent!" — *Choices* + *taz*
*Stadtrevue* Daily Pick: "An artist film that—thankfully—keeps biographical details to a minimum and truly engages with the work itself." — *Stadtrevue*
"In her film, Claudia Schmid does not create a conventional artist portrait. She dispenses with commentary, interviews, and critical assessments. Instead, she simply shows what *is*. Her camera observes Deacon and Perry at work as they search for viable solutions, but also follows them on their travels to galleries and museums—places where the artist familiarizes himself with the specific space where the sculpture is to be installed, for that space becomes an integral part of the sculpture's design. — *Abaton Kino*
Through cinematic observation and conversation, a rich, dense portrait emerges of one of the most important and influential sculptors of our time." — *Cinema Münster*
"Richard Deacon is an extraordinary artist; a superb documentary. Highly recommended for the art enthusiasts among us." — Zenow, *Movie Pilot*
"Less of a biographical film and more of a fascinating snapshot in time—such is Claudia Schmid’s documentary, *Richard Deacon – In Between*." "..... Since Richard Deacon is an artist who, while perhaps not particularly flamboyant, is nonetheless immensely fascinating, the insights into his working methods are absolutely worth seeing." — Michael Meyns, Programmkino.de
"Claudia Schmid’s documentary about the sculptor Richard Deacon is a laudable exception. She is genuinely focused on the British artist’s work. She patiently observes the creative process, from the small-scale model to the—at times monumental—realization of his sculptures in wood, metal, or ceramics. Biographical details are woven in sparingly via his voice-over commentary, and only insofar as they are essential to understanding his art. It is a meticulously crafted documentary in every respect—one that, moreover, offers many fundamental insights into the very nature of modern sculpture." — Sven von Reden, Stadtrevue
"Art enthusiasts, in particular, should not miss this documentary." — Hamburger Morgenpost
DVD Recommendation from the "Haus des Dokumentarfilms"! Overall User Rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars, 9 out of 10 points.
"Thank you so much for your magnificent film! It is impressive in its clarity, truly reflecting the very essence of the artist. Your courage to trust in the power of sustained observation paid off completely, as far as I’m concerned. It is admirable how you managed to capture these shots. One lives through—and listens in on—the search for form; it is thrilling, and listening to the stream of thoughts in the voiceover is utterly captivating and full of lightness. The sobriety of the work itself, the unspectacular spaces where the art takes shape—populated by people who devote their entire concentration and energy to ensuring its success—allows one to see the back pain, the chill in the air, the absence of natural light. It is all far removed from the romanticism in which the creative process—and art itself—is so often steeped. The absence of family, of the art market, and of anything else unrelated to the creative process is refreshing—and such a rare thing to experience. Are you kindred spirits in your perspective on art, or is it a directorial stroke of genius on your part to portray him as being so deeply rooted in the very nature of art? I am deeply moved by your work and filled with the utmost respect! Thank you!" — Kyra Witt, Artist
"I truly enjoyed your film! Thanks to your unhurried, understated, and observational style, the film delivered everything I believe is required to make a truly great movie: excellent direction, stunning visuals, masterful editing—and, of course, a brilliant, utterly unpretentious, and magnificent protagonist. It is wonderful how close you managed to get to him! This is truly 'big-screen' cinema; through Richard Deacon and your empathetic gaze upon his work, you succeed in genuinely filling the wide canvas of the screen. Furthermore, through your highly focused yet sensitive camera work, you grant us a deeply personal and penetrating glimpse into the life of an intelligent and fascinating human being. It is a wonderful and unique insight into the work of one—or rather, two—artists. For watching Matthew Perry at work proves to be just as fascinating." "It is fascinating how the interplay between the two artists works over so many years—especially considering that it is, after all, always an individual process." — Petra Hoffmann, Filmmaker & Producer, Board Member of AG DOK