Is Enough to Live on: The Arts of the WPA Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2015)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

Debuting in 2015, Enough to Live on: The Arts of the WPA represents a sophisticated intersection of artistic ambition and genre-defining elements within the Modern Cinema category. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into Enough to Live On: The Arts of the WPA celebrates the 80th anniversary of the Works Progress Administration and the Federal Art Project, and highlights artwork, music, writing and acting, all created under the various New Deal initiatives that put creative Americans on the federal payroll and back to work as a part of our nation’s recovery from the effects of the great crash of October 1929. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Modern Cinema are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "Enough to Live On: The Arts of the WPA celebrates the 80th anniversary of the Works Progress Administration and the Federal Art Project, and highlights artwork, music, writing and acting, all created under the various New Deal initiatives that put creative Americans on the federal payroll and back to work as a part of our nation’s recovery from the effects of the great crash of October 1929. Featuring more than 70 works of art from this period, as well as rare footage of WPA artists and others at work, this film tells the story of how Franklin Roosevelt and the New Deal used the arts to bring a message of hope and recovery to the American people, as we dug our way out of the crisis that was the Great Depression"

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. Despite the inherent talent of Michael Maglaras, the performance in Enough to Live on: The Arts of the WPA feels somewhat constrained by a narrative framework that doesn't fully exploit their range. There are flashes of brilliance, but the overall impact is muted.

The direction by Michael Maglaras is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its 98 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is Enough to Live on: The Arts of the WPA truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Modern Cinema, then this is a worthwhile watch if you have a specific interest in the themes or the performers involved.

The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 0/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, Enough to Live on: The Arts of the WPA explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 2015 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Michael Maglaras respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, Enough to Live on: The Arts of the WPA is an interesting experiment that, while flawed, offers enough moments of creative spark to be worth a casual glance for the curious. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Michael Maglaras or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, Enough to Live on: The Arts of the WPA is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.