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Art Basel Scandal: Murder or Masterpiece?
25 Jan
Summary
- An art influencer dies at a gallery during Art Basel.
- The gallerist spins the death into a publicity stunt.
- The film satirizes the art world's commodification and superficiality.

A shocking incident at a gallery during Art Basel, where art influencer Dalton Hardberry fatally impaled himself, sets the stage for a dark satire. Gallerist Polina Polinski, facing career ruin, ingeniously transforms the tragic accident into a publicity stunt. She decides to exhibit the scene, spinning the deceased influencer and the 'ultrarealistic' sculpture into a macabre piece of art.
This unfolding drama, set against the backdrop of the prestigious art fair, becomes a commentary on the art world's commodification and superficiality. The film questions the subjective value of art and the ethical boundaries crossed in pursuit of critical acclaim and sales. Despite numerous plot holes, the narrative highlights how perception and spin can redefine artistic value, turning a fatal mishap into an unlikely succès de scandale.
The film features a cast including Natalie Portman as Polinski, Jenna Ortega as her assistant Kiki, and Catherine Zeta-Jones as Kiki's aunt Marianne. The narrative draws parallels to real-world art stunts like Maurizio Cattelan's banana artwork, satirizing how easily art's meaning can be manipulated for profit and attention.




