The challenges of growing up are fused with the discipline of art in this coming-of-age drama from writer and director George Gallo. John (Trevor Morgan) is a shy, introverted teenager from Port Chester, NY, who is fascinated with art and would like to become a painter someday -- an ambition that does not please his father (Ray Liotta), who would prefer his son spend his time playing ball and chasing girls. John is a great admirer of Nicholi Seroff, a little-known but well-respected Russian
impressionist, and to his surprise he discovers that the great Seroff (Armin Mueller-Stahl) is living in New York these days. John pays him a visit hoping for some tutoring from the master, only to be told by Seroff that he's no longer interested in painting before slamming the door in John's face. But John is persistent, and after bribing his would-be mentor with some Russian vodka, Seroff grudgingly allows the young student to tag along with him as he heads to Pennsylvania for the summer, where he can pass along some of what he knows in exchange for John handling the household chores. Despite his dad's objections, John eagerly takes the offer, but over the course of the summer he learns as much about himself as he does about painting, especially after meeting Seroff's neighbor Carla (Samantha Mathis). Also starring Charles Durning, Ron Perlman, and Diana Scarwid, Local Color received its world premiere at the 2006 Tribeca Film Festival. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi
Kriter-director George Gallo has given the stocky, ever-commanding Mueller-Stahl a heroic, bravura role and has been rewarded by the actor with a towering, complex portrayal that is surely among his finest.
Obviously a passio project for Gallo but he is never really able to translate that importance to the audience. We never really care or connect with these characters.
For a purportedly autobiographical work, the events of this labor of love from director George Gallo, fit seamlessly into the fabric of the standard coming-of-age movie.
Local Color is a sensitive portrayal of a young painter trying to sharpen his gifts and it's also a deeply flawed piece of filmmaking. It's a movie that will have you loving and loathing the world of art, often in the same instant.
Another Independent Film from Monterey. Amin Mueller-Stahl plays his part nothing short of outstanding. This film is about a your art student who wants to study under the Russian Artist Nicholi Saroff, This is an excellent film based on a true story, John Talia spends the summer and develops a friendship with Saroff.
Very Enjoyable 5 Stars
December 27, 2010
Bruce Bruce
Super Reviewer
Very intellectual film with beautiful artwork. Can be a bit boring in spots but was worth watching.
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