High Art (1998)

72% of critics liked it
(43 reviews)
76% of users liked it
(7,581 ratings)

Lisa Cholodenko wrote and directed this lesbian-themed drama, winner of the 1998 Sundance Film Festival's Waldo Salt Screenwriting Award. Ambitious photography magazine associate editor Syd (Radha Mitchell) has a ho-hum relationship with James (Gabriel Mann). Investigating a ceiling leak, she enters… More Lisa Cholodenko wrote and directed this lesbian-themed drama, winner of the 1998 Sundance Film Festival's Waldo Salt Screenwriting Award. Ambitious photography magazine associate editor Syd (Radha Mitchell) has a ho-hum relationship with James (Gabriel Mann). Investigating a ceiling leak, she enters the apartment of her neighbor, retired photographer Lucy Berliner (Ally Sheedy), who lives with former Fassbinder actress Greta (Patricia Clarkson), a heroin addict. The friendship between the worldly Lucy and the naive, insecure Syd ripens into an affair, one destined to change the lives of both women. ~ Bhob Stewart, Rovi

Play Trailer

Rating, Runtime: R, 1 hr. 45 min.
Directed By: Lisa Cholodenko
Written By: Lisa Cholodenko
Genres: Drama, Romance

In Theaters: Jun 12, 1998 Wide
On DVD: Jul 27, 2004
Studio: October Releasing

Critic Reviews

Emanuel Levy, Variety
A highlight of the 1998 Sundance Festival: Cholodenko depicts with unwavering veracity the breakup of one longtime lesbian relationship just as another, unexpected one begins. The acting of the three women, Sheedy Mitchell, and Clarkson, is superb.
Michael Dequina, TheMovieReport.com
Warmed-over Red Shoe Diaries episode wrapped in a blanket of pretension.
Brandon Judell, PopcornQ
Solid, sexy drama with a dash of wit. Fine performances especially by Clarkson.
Beth Jones, Roanoke Times (Virginia)
Who knew Ally Sheedy was so sexy?
Brent Simon, Entertainment Today
A solid if diffident, strongly character-focused drama worth the time of those who appreciate shoegazing introspection for the High Art that it is.

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

Featured Audience Ratings

Leigh R

Wonderfully cast and played out.
Dimitris S

Cholodenko's debut brims with luscious cinematography.Literally!!The trio is demanding in every frame,projecting the pessimism of life,abnormalities in relationships,a Queer film without the cliches of this genre (I refuse to call it that way).Clarkson is so fuckin'… More
Cholodenko's debut brims with luscious cinematography.Literally!!The trio is demanding in every frame,projecting the pessimism of life,abnormalities in relationships,a Queer film without the cliches of this genre (I refuse to call it that way).Clarkson is so fuckin' underrated I swear she could play an animated freak and still play as gorgeous as ever.Gloomy atmosphere during the sex scenes.