Is Rebel Women: The Great Art Fightback Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2018)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

In the evolving tapestry of Documentary cinema, the 2018 release of Rebel Women: The Great Art Fightback stands as a landmark endeavor that pushes the boundaries of conventional storytelling. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into Documentary about the generation of female artists who - having emerged out of the tumult and fervour of the late 1960s - aimed to reinvent the arena of art and radically change the way women were perceived. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Documentary 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: "Documentary about the generation of female artists who - having emerged out of the tumult and fervour of the late 1960s - aimed to reinvent the arena of art and radically change the way women were perceived. On both sides of the Atlantic, women were using experimental new mediums and questioning everything - from the way women were presented in magazines to their right to equal pay. Mary Kelly caused outrage in the tabloids by displaying dirty nappies at the ICA, Margaret Harrison's depiction of Hugh Hefner as a bunny girl resulted in her exhibition being shut down by the police, and in Los Angeles Judy Chicago told her students to only study work by women. The programme tells the story of these revolutionary artists."

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 Judy Chicago, the performance in Rebel Women: The Great Art Fightback 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 Clare Tavernor 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 59 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 Rebel Women: The Great Art Fightback 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 Documentary, 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, Rebel Women: The Great Art Fightback explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 2018 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Clare Tavernor 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, Rebel Women: The Great Art Fightback 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 Judy Chicago or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, Rebel Women: The Great Art Fightback is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.