75
If his work still shocks, it stirs the soul, for he was a classicist reaching for the perfect form.
What are people saying?
What are critics saying?
60
This is a rich portrait of not only Mapplethorpe, but also the history of the New York art world in the latter half of the 20th century.
75
The Globe and Mail (Toronto) by Brad Wheeler
What we learn from the enjoyable punditry of siblings, art-world associates and former lovers is that the gorgeous provocateur was consumed with fame, and that everything and everybody was a means to that end.
80
Time Out London by Cath Clarke
A candid, often shocking documentary portrait of the great photographer Robert Mapplethorpe.
80
Interviewing key figures in his life, they build an anecdote-rich bio.
80
It forces viewers to take long looks at his most controversial imagery, proving that he still has the power to provoke, seduce and enrage.
80
Los Angeles Times by Robert Abele
In the new documentary Mapplethorpe: Look at the Pictures, directors Fenton Bailey and Randy Barbato do an ultra-fine job tracing a born provocateur's commitment to his calling.
75
The Film Stage by Rory O'Connor
Mapplethorpe: Look at the Pictures provides a snappy, confidently explicit overview of the photographer’s work and life that chooses not to sugarcoat the man’s ruthless ambition or seemingly exasperating personality.
70
The Hollywood Reporter by Stephen Farber
Mapplethorpe comes across as remarkably candid and unassuming, though his ambition was always clear.
80
Screen International by Wendy Ide
The input of the eloquent, brilliant, bitchy circle of friends with which he surrounded himself creates a portrait of the man which is every bit as candid as his work.