I discovered this movie somewhat by chance on the occasion of an exhibit of Ricco's work at the museum of fine arts in Bern and enjoyed it immensely. The documentary provides a great deal of background information on the artist. I just love the many interviews with family members, friends and collectors, revealing the discreet charm of the Bernese bourgeoisie! The interviews with former models, François Mignon in particular, are moving. It is fascinating to discover the castle in which Ricco grew up and the manors in which he lived. The portrait of the prison in Riom (France) is less delightful, but necessary to grasp the full picture of Ricco's life.
2 Reviews
A must see
bewitched-andreas16 January 2012
I went to see this movie simply because I thought it would be interesting to learn more about Ricco's life. It is amazing how things have changed in the 40 years since his death. Ricco was sent to prison for an "offense" which today is no longer punishable. It is a shame how the French authorities destroyed such a great artist back then. Ricco did not deserve to be treated this way (as one of his contemporaries - an elderly Bernese aristocrat who is so delightful to watch! - notes in the movie). Good luck and bad luck come so close together in this world... Always a trailblazer, Ricco didn't care too much what his contemporaries thought of him and his actions, even though he was a very sociable person. An artist still to be fully discovered!
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