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Burden

Play trailer 2:14 Poster for Burden 2017 1h 28m Documentary Play Trailer Watchlist
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97% Tomatometer 36 Reviews 88% Popcornmeter Fewer than 50 Ratings
Illustrated with performances, private videos, and recollections from those who knew him, we observe the life of the always provocative artist Chris Burden, whose work consistently challenged ideas about the limits and nature of modern art, from his notorious performances in the 1970s to his later assemblages, installations, kinetic and static sculptures, and scientific models.
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Burden

Burden

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Critics Consensus

Burden is no groundbreaker, but its straightforward approach allows the eccentric artists' work to speak for itself, warts and all.

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Critics Reviews

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Jo Livingstone The New Republic 05/22/2017
Burden does a sterling job. Go to Full Review Sheri Linden Los Angeles Times 05/11/2017
The filmmakers are concerned more with career trajectory than personal history, and though they don't sugarcoat the bouts of troubling behavior, their affection for Burden is evident. Go to Full Review J. R. Jones Chicago Reader 05/11/2017
This engrossing documentary profile of Los Angeles artist Chris Burden, who died in 2015, focuses mainly on his notorious performance pieces. Go to Full Review Stephen Saito Moveable Fest 11/01/2018
Even those who might not understand the enigmatic figure at first will be fascinated, but for those who appreciated his daring, a deeply rewarding portrait awaits. Go to Full Review Sean Mulvihill FanboyNation.com 10/31/2018
3.5/5
Burden pays homage to an unusual artist and his unusual art that is both willing to be critical and analytical of its subject. Go to Full Review Morgan Rojas Cinemacy 08/06/2018
In this compelling portrait, filmmakers Richard Dewey and Timothy Marrinan delve deep into the artist's past for a glimpse into the eclectic and eccentric life of Chris Burden. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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08/08/2018 Caught this at the Traverse City Film Festival last week. Very good film. Pacing was a bit slow, leading to the film being longer than it needed to be, but I greatly enjoyed it nonetheless. Had this been pure fiction, I'm not sure I would've accepted the story as viable given our current political climate, but being based on the life experience of Michael Burden changes that. I have no doubts Michael didn't make a 180 degree miraculous change because he fell in love and was befriended by an African-American preacher, as was presented in the film, but clearly a change for the good happened and things like that need to be celebrated these days more than ever. See more 08/05/2018 Just saw this wonderful film at the Traverse City Film Festival. I am especially inspired that it is based on a true story. This story filled me with hope, that love will always triumph over hate. See more 08/05/2018 Presented as the closing film for the 2018 Traverse City Film Festival. Standing ovation and well-received by the audience. Given that this film has been in the works for about 20 years, and given today's climate, this is a film worth seeing and discussing. I found it powerful, gripping, and excellent acting. The four in our group would definitely watch it again and highly recommend it. See more 02/02/2018 An incredible story of transformation from hatred to love is based on a true story, which took place in 1996 in Laurens, SC. Excellent play by actors in leading and supporting roles makes it so real. Absolutely recommend! See more 01/31/2018 Of all the films I saw at Sundance this year, this one stuck with me the most. It's a redemption story in the truest form with performances from Garrett Hedlund and Forest Whitaker that are sure to get them awards talk next season. See more 01/30/2018 Incredible film. The characters, who are complex and yet very relatable find themselves on a collision course with high stakes that are real and believable. This film should be seen by anyone who needs a hopeful reminder that we are all more human than not. See more Read all reviews
Burden

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Cast & Crew

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Timothy Marrinan

Director

Richard Dewey

Director

John McEnroe

Self

Marina Abramović

Self

Frank O. Gehry

Self

Vito Acconci

Self

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Burden

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Burden

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Movie Info

Synopsis Illustrated with performances, private videos, and recollections from those who knew him, we observe the life of the always provocative artist Chris Burden, whose work consistently challenged ideas about the limits and nature of modern art, from his notorious performances in the 1970s to his later assemblages, installations, kinetic and static sculptures, and scientific models.
Director
Timothy Marrinan, Richard Dewey
Producer
Timothy Marrinan, Richard Dewey, David Koh, Josh Braun, Dan Braun
Distributor
Magnolia Pictures
Production Co
Magnolia Pictures
Genre
Documentary
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
May 5, 2017, Limited
Release Date (Streaming)
May 5, 2017
Box Office (Gross USA)
$18.0K
Runtime
1h 28m
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