Editors note: Get ready to step into the surreal world of Salvador Dalí with the release of Dalíland, which premiered at the Toronto Film Festival and is now available in theaters and on-demand. The film explores the later years of the iconic artist’s life, focusing on his tumultuous relationship with his controlling wife, Gala Dalí. However, the film takes a detour into a coming-of-age plotline about a young assistant who catches the eye of both Dalís, which detracts from the main story.
The film is set in the mid-1970s at the St. Regis Hotel in New York, where Dalí (played by the talented Ben Kingsley) and Gala (the always impressive Barbara Sukowa) stay for a few months out of the year. Into their world comes James (newcomer Christopher Briney), a young assistant who is mentored by Dalí and catches the eye of Gala. However, James soon discovers the darker side of the art world and the insecurities of the once-great artist.
Director Mary Harron, known for her work on I Shot Andy Warhol and American Psycho, does an excellent job of re-creating the glam rock era of New York City, but the film feels a bit stale in its portrayal of the usual quota of models, rockers, and society wannabes. The flashbacks to Spain and the early days of Dalí and Gala provide a nice contrast to the current day of the ’70s, but the balance is off due to too much screen time given to James, who comes off as bland.
Despite this, Kingsley and Sukowa deliver powerhouse performances that capture the complexities of their characters. The rest of the cast, including Rupert Graves and Andreja Pejic, give it their all, but the film could have used more of the pizzazz seen in My Favorite Year to make it sizzle.
Overall, Dalíland is a visually stunning film with a colorful soundtrack and excellent costume design. It’s worth a watch for fans of the iconic artist and those interested in the art world’s shadier aspects.
Title: Dalíland
Distributor: Magnolia Pictures
Release date: June 9, 2023
Director: Mary Harron
Screenwriter: John C. Walsh
Cast: Ben Kingsley, Barbara Sukowa, Christopher Briney, Rupert Graves, Suki Waterhouse, Andreja Pejic, Ezra Miller
Running time: 1 hr 37 min