If there’s one thing we don’t have enough of in cinema, it’s movies about painters. Yet, when Paint came across my desk, I wasn’t exactly enthusiastic about giving it a shot. I hadn’t even seen the trailer, and to be honest, my expectations were quite low. It led to a movie experience that honestly felt nothing more than average.
At the center of Paint is Owen Wilson, who plays Carl Nargle, a professional painter with his own television show. Wilson delivers a solid performance as the charismatic Carl, who seduces his audience with his words and his art. Things soon take a turn when a younger, more modern artist is hired by the company, threatening Carl’s position and causing a rivalry to form between the two.
The story was utterly predictable, and some parts of it felt totally out of place, making the movie feel jumbled at times. It was as if the filmmakers couldn’t figure out what they wanted to do with the film. Yet, the conflict between the two artists creates an interesting and engaging dynamic. Though there were a few scenes where I found myself dozing off, there were also moments that had me hooked.
Where Paint really stood out was in the impressive acting. Wilson, in particular, did an excellent job playing a more serious character, showcasing his range beyond his usual comedic roles. The supporting cast, including relatively unknown actresses Ciara Renee and Lucy Freyer, who also delivered superb performances.
Despite the film’s strong performances, its technical aspects were rather unimpressive. The cinematography felt lackluster, and the paintings were surprisingly hard to discern as either digitally rendered or created with brush to canvas. It’s a shame that in a movie about painters, where art can be at such a forefront, the visuals were a letdown.
Final Thoughts
In a film that took obvious inspiration from Bob Ross, I was surprised with how uninspired the film felt in every aspect besides the acting. The cast, and particularly Owen Wilson, were able to overcome the rest of the film’s flaws, if only just. Paint may not be a masterpiece, but you may be able to find some enjoyment out of it.
