“West Wind: The Vision of Tom Thomson”

(a fine DVD documentary available from White Pine Pictures, Canada)

is the definitive documentary on Canada’s most mysterious artist. Much of the mystery comes from his strange death (spoiler: there is evidence in this film that he always remained buried at Canoe Lake), his largely solitary nature and unknown private life, as well as how he was able to produce such unique, powerful work.

This Canadian documentary takes its time (95 minutes) in trying to unravel these three aspects of the painter and his work. Numerous paintings are shown and the directors Hozer and Raymont do a good job of contextualizing Thomson’s life, in the process making clearer WWI’s effects on Canadians, and Thomson’s influence in the formation of The Group of 7.

In five remarkably short years, Thomson crammed in a major body of work that defined and still defines Canadian wilderness painting. His work also continues to draw astronomical prices at auction to support the idea that he remains our country’s greatest painter.

A highly recommended film about a Canadian icon and a truly splendid artist.

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