Local Color (2006)

36% of critics liked it
(14 reviews)
62% of users liked it
(560 ratings)

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… More 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

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Rating, Runtime: R, 1 hr. 39 min.
Directed By: George Gallo
Genres: Drama

In Theaters: Apr 29, 2006 Wide
On DVD: Sep 8, 2009
Studio: Monterey Media Inc.

Critic Reviews

Kevin Thomas, Los Angeles Times
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.
Ben Mankiewicz, At the Movies
I suspect Local Color will lose those unfamiliar with the jargon and subtleties of the art world. Skip it.
Ben Lyons, At the Movies
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.
Stephen Holden, New York Times
Beneath its layers of sentimentality Local Color means what it is says.
Aaron Hillis, Village Voice
How is it that a film about the love of art can make art seem so detestable?
Randy Cordova, Arizona Republic
A sweet, autobiographical coming-of-age story set in the summer of 1974.
Kam Williams, NewsBlaze
Forget The Karate Kid, make room for The Painting Protégé!
John Tottenham, L.A. Weekly
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.
Kam Williams, Sly Fox
Forget The Karate Kid, make room for The Painting Protégé!
Steve Ramos, Boxoffice Magazine
Lacks the quality storytelling and visual beauty needed for all-important critical acclaim and positive word of mouth.
S. James Snyder, Time Out New York
The sweeping landscapes look flawless, but missing from Local Color's canvas is any nuance in its human elements.
Bill Weber, Slant Magazine
Local Color is a sappy brick to the audience's forehead.
Wesley Lovell, Oscar Guy
Exploring the nurturing and development of artists, this film is more about the performances of Mueller-Stahl and Morgan than anything.
Brian Orndorf, eFilmCritic.com
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.

Read all 14 critic reviews

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Featured Audience Ratings

Bruce B

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… More
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
Leigh R

Very intellectual film with beautiful artwork. Can be a bit boring in spots but was worth watching.
Mark A

This was a terrific film, based on a true story, concerning an untrained, struggling young artist who finds a mentor to help him understand what painting, and life, is all about. Marvelous performances from a wonderful cast that included Armin-Mueller-Stahl as the older, established… More
This was a terrific film, based on a true story, concerning an untrained, struggling young artist who finds a mentor to help him understand what painting, and life, is all about. Marvelous performances from a wonderful cast that included Armin-Mueller-Stahl as the older, established and reclusive artist, Nicholai Seroff; Trevor Morgan as the young man, John; Samantha Mathis as Carla, a sad young woman who has faced a lot of tragedy in her life and who is friends with Nicholai; and Ray Liotta, Diana Scarwid, Charles Durning, and Ron Perlmen. The story was somewhat predictable and in some ways was quite similar in tone to Billy Elliot, with a father (Liotta) and mother (Scarwid) who don't understand thier son's passion, or his fascination with this older, Russian (and probably Commie), man who may or may not have ulterior motives in taking their son under his wing. But the excellent performances bring this off without resorting to stereotypes or to formula. Both men are landscape painters, primarily and there is some breathtaking scenery on display here. It was fascinating to watch the interplay between these two strong personalities, and to watch their relationship develop. The process of learning to "see" the world and to bring it to life under the brush was also fascinating. Ron Perlman was an absolute hoot as a pompous, effeminate art critic and dealer who was nevertheless friends with the great man. A thoroughly enjoyable experience.
Daisy M

Local Color was an enjoyable movie to watch. It brought you in to the world of painting and it was interested to see how they can put life on canvas. The characters struggled with their fears and shortcomings while following their dreams and doing anything to make them come true. The… More
Local Color was an enjoyable movie to watch. It brought you in to the world of painting and it was interested to see how they can put life on canvas. The characters struggled with their fears and shortcomings while following their dreams and doing anything to make them come true. The movie made you laugh, because it had some funny moments and also made you feel the frustrations of the characters. The lead character John was faced with many difficult challenges as he struggled to become a respected painter, but as the movie progressed, he found real friendship in his teacher and he taught him to find confidence while expressing his feelings on canvas. A wonderful movie to watch.